UNGA: Kenya builds case for seat at Security Council
By Fauxille Kibet
NEW YORK: Kenya has appealed to the United Nations Member States to support its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council during the elections slated for June next year.
Speaking in New York while addressing the General Debate of the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York Thursday, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta said Kenya deserves a seat on the Security Council because of its leading role in regional peace and stability in Eastern Africa as well as the Horn Africa.
He added that Kenya has over many years contributed troops to UN peacekeeping operations across the world.
“When the world had given up on our region, we opened our doors to millions of people fleeing insecurity. We have contributed more than 40,000 peacekeepers and engaged in post conflict reconstruction and development efforts across the world. To this day, we host hundreds of thousands of refugees.
He added, “Our investment in the Sudan negotiations led to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. We continue to support stabilization efforts in both Sudan and South Sudan.
President Kenyatta said that Kenya has stood with Somalia despite the challenges it has faced and has continued to support’s its quest for peace and deconstruction.
“When the world had turned away from Somalia, we engaged and invested in the Eldoret and Mbagathi peace processes that led to the formation and hosting of the Transitional National Government in Kenya, and formation of Transitional Federal Government in Somalia.
President Kenyatta expressed optimism that Kenya’s unrelenting search for peace and prosperity in the region, the continent and across the world will persuade the entire UN Membership to support the African Union candidate, for the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council during the elections slated for June 2020.
“I request for the vote of each and every member of the United Nations family,” President Kenyatta appealed to fellow Heads of State.