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Lusaka rallies support for Kenya’s bid for UNSC seat, faults Somalia’s ICJ move

Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 17:54 | By
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka.

Lobbying for Kenya’s bid to win the coveted seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-2022, intensified as Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka placed a strong case for her candidature before global parliamentarians.

This as Kenya's candidature also received a major boost as the global caucus, the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) pledged to throw its weight behind her bid.

Having lobbied her peers in the African Union (AU) and secured the continental approval, Kenya has now set her eyes to woo Asian and Europe nations in a bid to increase her chances for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2021-2022.

Addressing the 141st Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) on in Belgrade, Serbia on Tuesday, Speaker Lusaka acknowledged the backing saying Kenya's contribution to regional security, humanitarianism, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism; through efforts such as Operation Linda Nchi, contribution to AMISOM troops in Somalia, as well as playing host to over 600,000 refugees has been phenomenal.

“Kenya seeks to join the Security Council because we believe we can further make a positive contribution to global peace and security and promote ideals for the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Lusaka.

While rendering its support for Kenya’s bid, the over 70 Speakers of Parliaments and 700 parliamentarians cited the country’s increased contribution in peacebuilding and security at the horn of Africa.

Kenya's campaign is themed: 'Peace and Security for Sustainable Development'.

In recognition of and appreciating Kenya's role in strengthening international law and contribution to regional cooperation, the African Union endorsed Kenya's to campaign and consolidate its chances in clinching the lucrative seat.

The UN’s Security Council has the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.

At the same time, Lusaka used the occasion to defend Kenya’s push for Kenya an out-of-court settlement in the Kenya-Somalia maritime border dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He said would prefer direct talks with Somalia which would lead to an out of court settlement that will be a win-win situation for both countries.

An out-of-court settlement, the speaker noted is predicated on willingness by parties to engage for sake of the regional peace and stability.

“Kenya strongly believes that sustainable resolution of the dispute can be achieved using the mechanisms provided by the African Union,” he emphasized.

Speaker Lusaka is leading the Kenyan delegation comprising members of the Senate and the National Assembly.

They include Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and nominated Senator Petronilla Lokorio.

Others are MPs Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West), Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), David Ochieng (Ugenya), Benjamin Mwangi (Embakasi Central) and nominated MP Jacquiline Oduol and National Assembly Clerk Michael Sialai.

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