Rush against time: Kenya remains hopeful for UN Security Council seat

The United Nations Security Council meets on Syria at the U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., March 12, 2018. [Photo: Reuters]

Just two days before the United Nations members vote for new non- permanent members of the powerful Security Council, Kenya remains hopeful to clinch the seat.

The UN Security Council is mandated with maintaining international peace and security, a position that has 188 member states fighting for after every two years.

This year, the vote will be conducted virtually although it will still be done through a secret ballot as seven countries battle out for the position.

The two African countries that will go head to head are Kenya and Djibouti who have brushed each other’s shoulder previously during the campaign season and are seeking to replace South Africa.

Other countries that will be joining are India, Mexico, Canada, Ireland and Norway who have all fronted their candidature.

The Council comprises of 15 posts. Five member states which include; US, UK, Russia, China and France who enjoy the permanent positions which are commonly known as the P5. The other member states fight for the 10 non-permanent positions.

Kenya has previously served at the council in 1973-74 and 1997-98. If it clinches the position this year, Kenya will have maintained a 24 year serving interval.

Traditionally according to the council, it was decided that non-permanent member states shall be elected according to a set pattern. Five from African and Asian States, One from Eastern European States, Two from Latin American States, Two from Western European and other States.

The African Union (AU) endorsed Kenya as the sole United Nations Security Council (UNSC) candidate by a considerable 37-13 margin, making it the current favorite for the seat.

The decision sparked controversies with Djibouti terming the decision as illegal and claiming that it was Africa’s “legitimate” candidate.

“Djibouti has never shown uncontrolled appetite. It has patiently waited its turn,” argued Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the UN, when he launched the campaign last December in New York.

The final decision rests with UN General Assembly which means that Djibouti remains in the race. A rare possibility could also see the two rivals sharing the seat which happened recently in 2016-2017 when Netherlands and Italy shared a seat.

The P5 enjoys making Veto Council decisions but still cannot proceed without the backing of at least four non-permanent members of the council.

If Kenya secures the position as a non-permanent member, it will have a voice on the pressing issues of the day.