President Kenyatta asks AU to speak in one Voice on global matters

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged members of the African Union (AU) who are tasked with lobbying for reforms at the United Nations (UN) to remain united and coordinated in pushing for the African agenda at the global body.

In a meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda, President Uhuru Kenyatta asked member states to speak with one voice even when faced with pressure from development partners.

This he said would help the continent in addressing the issue of under representation at the United Nations.

“We must not abdicate our responsibility to our people and continent,” said President Kenyatta.

The meeting was attended by the Presidents Hage Geingob (Namibia), Teodoro Obiang Nguema (Equatorial Guinea), Macky Sall (Senegal) and Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone who is also the Coordinator of the Committee of Ten on the Security Council reforms.

“Our responsibility is not only to raise the visibility of the C-10 but also secure the seats we desire in the UN Security Council,” President Koroma said.

“Kenya remains committed to the reform of the United Nations and in particular the Security Council,” President Kenyatta added.

President Kenyatta called on the members of the C-10 to reject any attempts at piece-meal reforms and instead demand that all key issues be addressed.

“Let us assess where we stand and what we need to do to chart the way forward in order to give traction and impetus to the Security Council reform process,” President Kenyatta said.

Non representation as permanent members of the united nations security council was an issue of concern for the committee of ten;  a group of African countries, comprising of Kenya, Algeria, Libya, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Congo.

The 10 are mandated by the African Union to spearhead the African agenda at the United Nations.

Additional info by PSCU