Ruto To Skip Russia Meeting With African Leaders: Here's Why

President William Ruto will not attend the 2nd Russia - Africa Summit scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 28.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Wednesday, July 26 revealed that the Kenyan Head of State will instead be represented by organs of the Africa Union.

In a statement to newsrooms, Mohamed revealed that Ruto's decision to skip the summit was in line with the African Union's ongoing reforms regarding development engagements with other countries and continents.

"President William Ruto will not be personally attending the Russia-Africa summit; instead, he will be represented by organs of the Africa Union.

State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed addresses the media from State House, Mombasa on July 26, 2023. /TWITTER.HUSSEIN MOHAMED

"This decision aligns with the stance of African Heads of State and Government, who believe that in order for Africa to engage in meaningful discussions with global partners, partnership summits organized by external parties need to be reviewed to establish an effective framework for African Union partnerships," stated Mohamed in part.

Regarding Multilateral Cooperation, and more specifically, participation and representation in statutory meetings for partnerships, the AU Assembly in its Decision 762 of February 2020, decided as follows:

The African Union/African Continent shall be represented at the Statutory Meetings of a partnership between the African Union/African Continent and a partner country by the Members of the Bureau of the Assembly of the Union, the Chairpersons of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Chairperson of the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) of AUDA-NEPAD and the Chairperson of the AU Commission;’

"The President will therefore be represented in accordance with Decision 762 and he has informed the Chairperson of the AU accordingly," Mohamed added.

President Ruto has been vocal regarding his criticism over how Africa has been previously treated in notable diplomatic forums, hence his call to have Africa and the respective regional blocs within the continent send representatives instead of deploying African leaders to such engagements in person.

During the African presidents' meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ruto will travel to the Coastal region on July 27, 2023, covering Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Tana River Counties.

Ruto flew to Tanzania on Tuesday, July 25 in an official capacity and held bilateral talks with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu regarding trade, diplomatic relations and the creation of job opportunities.

Russia announced that 49 African countries have confirmed they will attend the summit, which will be held in St. Petersburg.

Putin is expected to hold intensive one-on-one talks with the African Heads of government on issues ranging from trade to security, arms deals, and grain supplies.

The participants will also be invited to explore exhibition stands prepared by businesses and leading government, educational and consulting organizations, especially for the Forum.

Over twenty-five Russian companies from various sectors of the Russian industry are expected to take part in the exhibition.