Serbia vows retaliation after Kenya formally recognised Kosovo
Move came despite a diplomatic charm offensive by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who in October 2024 sent his wife Tamara Vučić to Nairobi
Serbia has reacted angrily to Kenya’s decision to unilaterally recognise the breakaway region of Kosovo as an independent state.
In a statement, the Serbian ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move is a gross violation of international law and a direct violation of Resolution 1244 of the United Nations Security Council, which unequivocally guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, and all this in the year that marks the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter, which the Kenyan authorities trampled on.
“It is emphasised that such a decision also undermines efforts aimed at constructive dialogue, regional stability and respect for the international legal order, and it is especially pointed out that reference to the decision of the International Court of Justice from 2010 is unfounded,” it said in a statement posted on Kontakt Plus radio portal.
At the same time, the ministry said the decision represents a sad precedent in the traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Kenya, which have been built for decades on mutual respect and cooperation, including within the Non-Aligned Movement, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.
It added that Serbia “will take all necessary diplomatic and political measures in response to this unacceptable and hostile act.”
“We especially emphasise that in the past eight years, 28 countries have withdrawn or suspended recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, while only two new countries have made a decision on recognition. A clear majority of the international community, law and justice are on the side of Serbia, the announcement states,” the statement concluded.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani had earlier confirmed that President William Ruto had signed the instruments recognising its independence, which he posted on social media on Wednesday evening terming it a historic decision.
He said the recognition strengthens the friendship between Kenya and Kosovo and paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation, noting that as stated in the proclamation signed by Ruto, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has confirmed that Kosovo’s independence fully aligns with international law.
“We urge all nations, in Africa and beyond, to stand on the right side of history and recognise Kosovo. Recognising Kosovo contributes to strengthening peace and stability in the region and across the broader European continent. A special thanks to former President and FM Pacolli and all others who have contributed towards this decision. Kosovo remains committed to deepening its global partnerships, and we look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with Kenya,” Osmani added.
Serbia First Lady’s meeting with Mudavadi
Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo came despite a diplomatic charm offensive by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who in October 2024 sent his wife, Tamara Vučić, to Nairobi to dissuade the country from doing so.
During her visit, she met with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign Affairs CS, during which they laid emphasis on strengthening diplomatic relations and economic cooperation between Kenya and Serbia.
Together with First Lady Rachel Ruto, Tamara also paid a courtesy call on Attorney General Dorcas Oduor.
She the toured the ongoing Mukuru Kwa Njenga Affordable Housing Project and later, Reuben Primary School she donated learning tablets to the students, marking a significant step in fostering educational development.
A video of her visit shows Tamara and First Lady Rachel Ruto in a dance. Serbian journalist Željko Veljković posted the video after Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo to validate criticism Tamara has been wasting money on foreign trips.
https://twitter.com/novinarupenziji/status/1904958584699433209
Serbia holds a strategic partnership with China and is also a traditional ally of Russia with which it shares a strong mutual cultural affinity making its recognition by the United Nations difficult. This despite being recognised by the three other veto powers – the United States, the United Kingdom and France following its self-declared independence in 2008 that was preceded a brutal war with Serbian forces.
It is not the first time Kenya is ruffling diplomatic features over recognition of breakaway states or regions claimed by other countries.
On his first day in office, Ruto provoked Morocco when he hosted Western Sahara President and later posted on X (then known as Twitter) that Kenya had offered it recognition.
Pressure from Rabat and elsewhere forced Kenya to rescind the decision.
Nairobi has also been blowing hot and cold over the independence of Somaliland in the face of strong opposition from Mogadishu.
