President Kenyatta said Kenya will not abandon Somalia for many reasons including the fact that instability in the neighbouring country continues to affect Kenya.
NEW YORK, Sept 29 —President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the international community to do more to support regional efforts to stop the conflicts in Somalia, South Sudan and other countries in Africa.
The President made the call when he gave a speech at the 70th United Nations General Assembly annual debate in New York on Monday evening.
President Kenyatta’s speech went big on Kenya’s determination to continue playing its role in fostering stability in the region as well as enhancing its international responsibility in improving global cooperation for the improvement of humanity.
The President rallied world leaders to take more concrete steps to support the restoration of stability in Somalia and South Sudan as well as other countries affected by instability.
He assured that Kenya will remain steadfast in fostering peace and security in the region.
“Kenya remains committed to continuing to play its rightful role in the global community and will remain an anchor of peace and security in our region and foster regional, continental and global cooperation for accelerated economic and social development for all,” said the President.
The President made a passionate appeal to the UN and its member states not to turn their back on nations faced with long-running conflicts.
He further called for global support for Kenya’s fight against terrorism waged by extremists over Kenya’s role in supporting stability in Somalia.
President Kenyatta said Kenya has continued to invest billions of shillings in the maintenance of regional peace and security while many Kenyans have lost their lives in its quest for peace.
“Kenya therefore implores the global community, in particular the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibility in a manner that has a direct impact to the resolution of those conflicts,” said the President negatively.
President Kenyatta said Kenya will not abandon Somalia for many reasons including the fact that instability in the neighbouring country continues to affect Kenya.
He said the links between the two nations demands that Kenya takes lead in ensuring a stable Somalia for the benefit of the people of both countries.
“Kenya and Somalia share strong historical, cultural and trading ties that have benefited both societies. Somalia remains a major concern to the international community and Kenya in particular, due to the long-standing crises and security situation,” said the President.
He said the Kenya Defence Forces will not stop supporting the Somalia National Army within the Framework of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
“Despite the threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants on Kenya, we will stand firm in support of the people of Somalia,” said the President. “Kenya therefore calls on the international community to support the government of Somalia in securing its territory.”
President Kenyatta also stated that Kenya is concerned with the emerging crisis in Southern Sudan and welcomed the peace agreement recently signed to end the conflict.
“Kenya urges the international community, especially the United Nations, to support the IGAD Plus Peace Initiative’s efforts geared towards the realisation of comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said the President.
President Kenyatta also used his speech at the UN General Assembly Debate to express Kenya’s appreciation for the role it was given to guide the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted in a special summit on September 25.
“Kenya was honoured and proud for the important role it played in the Post 2015 Development Agenda process, by co-chairing the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals and by facilitating the inter-governmental negotiations,” said the President.
President Kenyatta also tipped developing nations to put emphasis on domestic resource mobilisation as well as private business finance, both domestic and international, as an assured way to attain sustainable development.
He added that overseas development assistance still has a big role to play in attaining sustainable development.
“However, domestic resource mobilisation remains key in raising required resources to finance development,” said the President.
President Kenyatta also celebrated the success of the integration of the East African Community, which is the fastest growing regional economic bloc in the world.
“The EAC remains committed to widening and deepening cooperation among its partner states in political, economic and social fields for our mutual benefits,” said the President.
He said the region remains committed to fast-track the process towards an East African Federation as a demonstration of the determination of the people of East Africa to construct a powerful and sustainable economic and political bloc.
About The Author
