Page 24 - Issue 9

East Africa

UNSC in session
Kenya wins Africa seat at the UN Security

Council, third time round

Early last month, Kenya won a United Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta nine other non-permanent members
Nations Security Council seat as a non- termed the win “a demonstration of the and could get a chance to preside over
permanent member after thrashing country’s growing profile and influence the Council’s sittings, an influential
Djibouti in the second round of voting. in the community of nations as a opportunity to influence agenda.
The country has been away from the steadfast and dependable development Kenya’s term will begin in January 2021.
highly coveted seat for 23 years, last partner.” The country has been away from the
serving as a non-permanent member In a statement to media houses, he highly coveted seat for 23 years, last
(1997-1998). thanked the African Union for endorsing serving as a non-permanent member
Kenya won the Africa seat at the UN Nairobi and giving it a chance to vie for between 1997-1998.
Security Council after garnering 129 the seat. He also thanked Djibouti for Kenya joins elected members -- India,
votes against Djibouti’s 62 votes in being a worthy opponent. Ireland, Mexico, and Norway that enter
the second round of voting. Some 191 President Kenyatta said Kenya will the UN Security Council at a crucial time
member states voted. In the first round “voice Africa’s position in the Security to contribute to global conversations
of voting, Kenya had received 113 votes Council”. that entail peace and security, climate
against Djibouti’s 78, with 192 out of 193 change, gender issues, human rights,
member states voting. Venezuela was welcoming the resounding victory for and international development among
barred from casting its ballot as it is still his country, President Kenyatta said other functions.
in arrears for its membership in the UN. it would open Kenya to contribute
Other members elected for a 2 year term to critical global peace and security They will replace Belgium, Dominican
are India, Mexico, Ireland and Norway. resolutions. Republic, Germany, Indonesia and
The newly elected countries will replace Kenyatta described Kenya’s win as a South Africa.
exiting council members Belgium, demonstration of the country’s growing Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the
Dominican Republic, Germany, profile and influence in the community Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam will
Indonesia and South Africa. They will of nations as a steadfast and dependable remain in the Council through the end
join current non-permanent members development partner, thanking the of 2021.
Estonia, Niger, St. Vincent and the African Union for the endorsement as After being endorsed by a majority of
Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam, and the continent’s flag bearer in the contest. African Union members in 2019, Kenya
permanent members Britain, China, Kenya will now be able to speak on behalf expected a smooth run for a third stint
France, Russia and the United States. of Africa to come up with reforms and on the UN Security Council (UNSC),
Kenya’s win also serves to assure the policies that favor the African continent. but its run was disrupted after Djibouti
world of the legitimacy of the African Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh called the continental body’s process to
Union (AU) in endorsing candidates congratulated Kenya on its win. He said question.
from member states to “act in its name.” he hopes Nairobi will bring “valuable
The AU had endorsed Kenya for the debate” to the Council. Djibouti’s win, would have meant an
seat, but Djibouti rejected this decision all French-speaking African countries
and went ahead to conduct parallel Working alongside the five permanent representation for Africa to the UNSC,
campaigns for the only seat allocated for members with veto powers (Russia, UK, a scenario that has happened before (in
Africa. US, China and France), Kenya will join 2001).

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