Kenya Clarifies Reports of Backing UAE Candidate for UN SG Position
Kenya has dismissed reports that it has endorsed UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh for UN Secretary-General position. Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei says no decision has been made and the government is still following the ongoing campaigns for the top UN seat.
Kenya has moved to clarify its position on the race to select the next United Nations Secretary-General following reports that the country had backed a candidate from the United Arab Emirates.
The reports emerged on Monday, days after President William Ruto hosted a senior Abu Dhabi diplomat in Nairobi, drawing attention to Kenya’s position on the contest to replace António Guterres.
On Tuesday, the government said it had not endorsed any candidate for the position, disputing claims that it had thrown its support behind UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said Kenya was still following the campaigns and had not settled on a preferred candidate. He said the country was monitoring the ongoing bids, including expressions of interest from new contenders.
“Quite the contrary, Kenya has not expressed support for any candidate at this point. We are following the ongoing campaigns for UNSG, including the expression of interest by new candidates,” Sing’Oei said.
The clarification followed an announcement by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary stating that Musalia Mudavadi had welcomed Nusseibeh’s candidature on behalf of Kenya. Mudavadi had highlighted her multilateral diplomatic experience and expressed Kenya’s interest in working with her to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and Africa.
Kenya’s latest position indicates that it is yet to declare support for any contender as the campaigns continue. The government has maintained that it is monitoring the candidates before settling on its preferred choice.
