The African Union (AU) has resolved to fast-track the operationalisation of the African Court of Justice by June this year to address ongoing disputes and ensure justice across the continent.

The court was envisioned in the AU’s Constitutive Act to be the main judicial body of the African Union, tasked with ruling on disputes, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing recourse for victims within member states.

The President of Kenya, William Ruto, who doubles as Champion of Institutional Reforms, speaking at the AU’s Institutional Reforms Retreat in Nairobi noted that while the protocols for the court were finalised in 2009, it is yet to become fully operational.

President Ruto also revealed plans to appoint judges in the coming months.

“The third issue that we have agreed on is the operationalisation of the Africa Court of Justice. As we all know this is what was envisaged in the Constitution Act of the African Union to provide clarity and to exercise the judicial authority of the Union.

“The African Court of Justice and the protocols necessary for its implementation were concluded in 2009 and 16 years later we have not been able to operationalise it. I will therefore be making recommendations for the operationalisation of the African Court of Justice with the appointment of judges so that by June this year, we can have a mechanism for conflict resolution on our continent, especially, on disputes between countries, disputes between institutions of the African Union,” he stated.