Kenya has decided to withdraw the recognition of the so-called “SADR” and to initiate the necessary steps to close its representation in Nairobi.
The announcement was made after the newly-sworn President of Kenya, William Ruto received this Wednesday a message of from King Mohammed VI, extending him congratulations on his inauguration.
A joint statement, excerpts of which were made public on the website of the State House of the Republic of Kenya said that the Republic of Kenya rescinds its recognition of the so-called ‘sadr’ and initiates steps to wind down the entity’s presence in the country.
“Out of respect for the principle of territorial integrity and non-interference, the Republic of Kenya extends total support to the serious and credible autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco, as the unique solution based on Morocco’s territorial integrity” to solve the Sahara issue, the joint statement said.
“The Republic of Kenya supports the United Nations framework as the exclusive mechanism to find a lasting and durable political solution of the dispute over the Sahara issue,” the statement added.
In his message, King Mohammed VI congratulated William Samoei Ruto for his election as the fifth President of of Kenya and commended “the successful conclusion of Kenya’s democratic election in August 2022, which cements the country’s position as a democratic beacon on the continent.”
The Sovereign further lauded the promise made by Kenya’s President to bolster and deepen the current bilateral relationship between his country and various states in Africa and elsewhere.
For his part, Mr. William Ruto expressed his commitment to work with the King to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, and lauded the King’s leadership in promoting tolerance and reconciling policies in the Maghreb Region and also his contribution to global peace and security.
The two countries have committed to upscale their bilateral diplomatic relationship to a strategic partnership within six months, said the statement, adding that Kenya is committed to open its Embassy in Rabat.
It was also agreed to immediately accelerate economic, trade and social relations in the areas of fisheries, agriculture & food security (fertilizer importation), health, tourism, renewable energy, security collaboration, and cultural, religious and people to people exchange among other sectors.
The Royal message was delivered by a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
Kenya is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council expected to vote end of October on a resolution on the Sahara. This English-speaking African country was one of the most important supporters of the Polisario.
So, Nairobi’s decision to withdraw its recognition of a phantom entity is serious diplomatic setback and a slap in the face of the separatists and the ruling Algerian junta which arms, shelters and funds the secessionist militias, while Morocco continues to gain a growing international support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire Sahara territory.