Ruto Defies Pledge, Sparks Controversy Attending Italy-Africa Summit
President William Ruto justified his choice to participate in the Italy-Africa summit on Monday, even though he had previously stated that he and fellow African leaders would not be obligated to attend at the behest of any individual country.
In a video from April 2023, President Ruto expressed that Africa, represented by the African Union, would engage in talks with other nations collectively.
He raised doubts about the sincerity of inviting every African head of state to a summit and subsequently treating them as if they were being transported in buses like schoolchildren.
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Ruto addressed the audience during the Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
“It is not intelligent for 54 African Presidents to go and sit before one President from another country for a summit. Sometimes, we are mistreated. We are loaded onto buses like school kids. It is not right,” he stated.
The leader of the nation encouraged African presidents to dispatch representatives when extended invitations to gatherings in Western nations.
“The decision we have made as AU is that going forward, if there is going to be a discussion between Africa and any other country, we would send the chair and the bureau, That is the position I am taking as the President of Kenya,” he stated.
Soon after making the announcement, President Ruto opted not to attend the Russia-Africa summit, where the African Union represented the continent.
Nonetheless, Kenyan online discussions were fueled by speculation when the president chose to participate in the Italy-Africa summit, leading to perceptions that he was being inconsistent in his statements.
During his speech at the summit on Monday, President Ruto mentioned that, although he had previously expressed the view that an invitation from one country to all 54 African nations might not consistently align with Africa’s best interests, he acknowledged Italy’s pragmatic approach to the matter.
“Those of us present at this conference, representing our colleagues, find it different and inspiring due to the pragmatic approach you, have taken, Madam Prime Minister,” he said.
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“Let me begin by appreciating President Sergio Matterella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Government of Italy for convening this Summit.”
According to Ruto, Italy and Africa appeared to be reading from the same script, stating that Africa does not require charity, but rather cooperation that rejects “paternalistic and predatory approaches.”
“This messaging resonates well with us, and we warmly welcome the announcement of the ambitious Mattei Plan, with its cornerstone being energy security for Africa and the Mediterranean nations,” he added.
The Mattei Plan, also known as, seeks to establish Italy as a crucial connection between Africa and Europe. The objective is to channel energy northward while fostering investment in agreements aimed at diminishing the number of migrants departing across the Mediterranean.
Meloni declared that the initial financing for the proposal would amount to €5.5 billion ($5.9 billion). This funding would include a portion in the form of loans, and the investments would be directed toward the energy, agriculture, water, health, and education sectors.
The gathering included African leaders such as the presidents of Tunisia, Senegal, Kenya, the Republic of Congo, and Somalia.
In all, 45 African states were represented at various levels.
As per a statement released by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Sunday, January 28th, Ruto is slated to participate in the summit in his capacity as the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). During the event, he is anticipated to give a speech focusing on energy security.
Ruto Defies Pledge, Sparks Controversy Attending Italy-Africa Summit
