Diplomacy News Republic of Kenya A Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issue No. 005 December 2, 2016 Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed at the Joint Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 4th African Arab Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on Novem- ber 21, 2016 Saharawi Bonafide Member of AU, CS Amina Mohamed says By Jane Kariuki The Joint Council of Ministers meeting in Malabo during the Afro-Arab Summit was delayed as members discussed Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed has strongly the involvement of the Saharawi in the Africa-Arab defended Saharawi Republic membership in the African partnership. African leaders felt that in future a common Union. framework to manage the myriad partnerships must be developed. Speaking at the Joint Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 4th Africa Arab Summit, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea “Recent events have painfully showed us that lack of on November 21, 2016 the Cabinet Secretary said any clarity, mutual respect, may threaten and even fatally objection to this fact was ill informed. diminish the vitality, integrity and potential opportunities this partnership holds for us“, said Amina Mohamed. “The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic has a rightful seat just like any other member of the African Union in all its “Our organization, operates on the basis of established partnerships. This principled position is non-negotiable and rules, regulations and procedures, that clearly define who must be respected by all our partners.“ we are, what we do and how to do it. Interactions amongst ourselves and with others are informed by this understand- Morocco had raise the objection on the participation of ing.” Western Sahara claiming that the arrangement was not in line with the principles and criteria used in convening the CS Amina added, “As we come to the end of this 4th Summit, past two Africa-Arab Summits. it is important for us all to reflect on the true status of this partnership.” The issue of Saharawi in the African Union and by extension the Africa-Arab partnership has for a long time been contest- She called for honest discussion in devising a meaningful, ed by Morocco over a territorial dispute. realistic way forward. This boundary dispute and whether or not Saharawi should “Honesty they say is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. form part of the partnership played out during the Afro-Arab The outcome before us is the net return for the efforts and Summit. energies that we have honestly expended”. Saharawi has been a member of the African Union since She concluded her remarks by calling for clarity and urged 1984 when it was the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), members to work in unity, by quoting the old adage. “In accession which was granted in Nairobi. Morocco withdrew walking alone, I can walk faster, but in walking together we then from OAU in protest and is now seeking to rejoin AU. can go further”. CS Amina Launches AUC Chairperson Bid ……………………………… 2 0ver 30,000 Kenyan Soldiers have been in Peace Missions; says CS Amina ………………………………………………….. 3 Kenya, Iraq Sign MOU on Foreign Training………………………………..2 Kenya, Poland Relations…………………………………………… 3 CS Amina Launches AUC Chairperson Bid By Andrew Kuria Amb. Amina Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, formally launched her campaign for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa on November 29, 2016. The launch provided an opportunity for CS to share her vision and priorities with her compatriots from the continent and provided an opportunity to exchange views on shared expecta- tions for the next AU Commission. "However complex this agenda may seem, its aspiration is really simple, to build a prosperous and united Africa based on shared values and common destiny,” said Amina Mohamed. Amb. Amina Mohammed delivers her key note address during the launch of her campaign for AUC chairperson in Addis Ababa on November 29, 2016. Amb Mohamed said her vision is to build a secretariat that will harness the number of Ministers of Foreign Affairs current momentum in the continent to engaging all stakeholders to find ways of improving Africa infrastructure, and those of Trade. secure Africa’s rightful place in the community of nations. women empowerment, Africa diaspora agenda and investing in education, The AUC Chairperson seat becomes vacant after the end of term of current “This will be achieved through technology, innovation and job crea- tion for the youth. chair Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma of strengthening the institutional South Africa. capacity” she added. The launch was attended by compatri- The elections are due in January 2017. She said if elected the key priorities ots from the continent including the will be making AUC a dynamic, versa- members of the Permanent Representa- tile and effective institution through tives Committee at Africa Union, and a Kenya, Iraq sign MOU on Foreign Training By Wendy Natasha and Ann Kagathi Director FSA November 28, 2016 Kenya and Iraq Amb. Simon signed a three year Memorandum of Nabukwesi and Understanding touching on academic field. Dean FSA (Iraq) Amb. Adel The MOU between the Foreign Service Mustafa Kamil Academy (FSA) of Kenya and the exchange Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the signed MOU on Republic of Iraq will enable the two November 28, institutions deepen relations between 2016 at FSA the two governments. office, Nairobi. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Director FSA, Amb. Simon Nabukwesi expressed commitment of the Academy to see the agreed items in the MOU are fully implemented and called for active The Dean of FSI Iraq Amb. Dr. Adel ate on: Developing modern methods of engagement towards these goals. Mustafa Kamil noted that Iraq and training specialists in the fields of foreign policy; international relations; “The success of the MOU requires Kenya are both committed to enhance diplomatic ties established since 1967. political science; foreign languages and commitment, focus and sacrifice by the research. They also agreed to hold con- two governments,” he said. The two institutions agreed to cooper- sultative meetings on areas of mutual interest. 0ver 30,000 Kenyan Soldiers have been in Peace Missions: says CS Amina By Kawira Githinji logistics and operations hub for opera- citing lack of formal consultation tion lifeline Sudan (OLS) following a Kenya continues to express anger prior to the Commandant dismissal devastating famine and civil war be- over the dismissal of Lt. General which was a clear demonstration of tween the government of Sudan and the Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki as disrespect, dishonor and disregard of Sudan People’s Movement Army. Commander of the UN Mission in Kenya’s contribution to peace in South South Sudan (UNMISS) and justified Sudan. Kenya maintains that failure to ad- the subsequent withdrawal of troops dress structural and systematic weakness from South Sudan. “The ex parte decision was arrived at of the UN peacekeeping was the cause against an individual who had arrived for poor performance. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. at the workplace just three weeks ear- Mohamed in a statement said that the lier, raising reasonable doubts about The CS pointed out that before the chaos dismissal was a knee-jerk reaction that his culpability. This was clearly a erupted, the international community “fails to address structural limitations scapegoating verdict rather than an was already getting exasperated with of the UN peacekeeping operations”. honest intent to troubleshoot, said the the situation in South Sudan and the CS. ability of UNMISS to operate was so She reiterated that Kenya’s military crippled leading to the United Nations involvement in Sudan was not her Amb. Mohamed pointed out that in Security authorizing an increase in first contribution to peace. January 2005, Kenya led by top sol- troops. dier General Lazaro Sumbeiywo took “Kenya has taken part in peace keep- the lead in the comprehensive peace Amb. Mohamed urged the international ing operations in more than 40 coun- Agreement (CPA) signed by the Su- community to go back to the drawing tries sending out over 30,000 soldiers dan people’s Liberation Movement board and appreciate well intentioned in the process” she said. and the Government to end the civil efforts by countries who contribute According to Amb. Mohamed, reasons war. troops towards peace keeping. for the dismissal were not genuine Earlier in 1989, Kenya provided huge Kenya, Poland Relations By Richard Mutuota and Kawira Githinji Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma has hailed bilat- eral relations between Kenya and Poland stressing that Kenya is keen to grow its footprint in Eastern Europe and strengthen bilateral ties with Poland. During a visit by Poland Senate dele- gation led by Marshal Stanislaw Karczewski on November 25, 2016, the PS reiterated the important role played by the Kenya’s Parliament and Senate in advancing its foreign policy. While appreciating Poland’s contin- ued support to Kenya especially in health, education and water, the PS stressed the need to improve Kenya’s exports to Poland and EU noting that PS Monica Juma hosts vising Stanislaw Karczewski, Marshal of Polish Senate & his delega- the balance of trade remains in favour tion on November 25, 2016 at Foreign Affairs Board room. The PS was by Sen Fatuma Dullo of Poland. Mr. Karcezewski pointed out the huge potential that exists between the two countries which should be exploited opportunities”. The PS expressed confidence in Amb to broaden cooperation especially in Mohamed leadership given her scientific exchanges, cultural areas, The Marshal, congratulated the experience in foreign relations. trade and tourism. Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed for her nomination by He added that “Poland is well placed President Uhuru Kenyatta to vie for to boost the opportunities for the the chairperson of the African Union Kenyan youth by providing education Commission.