Ruto revoke Kenya’s recognition of Sahwari Republic as an Independent State
President William Ruto has revoked Kenya’s recognition of the Sahrawi Democratic Republic as an Independent State in the wake of the ongoing West Saharan conflict with Morocco.
The newly elected President said he will initiate steps to bring down its diplomatic mission presence in Nairobi.
Through a statement, Ruto said that the country was distancing itself from acknowledging the independence of SADR saying that Kenya only supports United Nations (UN) peace initiatives in the region.
“Kenya rescinds its recognition of the SADR and initiates steps to wind down the entity’s presence in the country,” he said.
His remarks came after receiving a congratulatory message from His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Further, Ruto stated that the country would focus on strengthening the economic ties with Morocco in developing the country.
“We are accelerating relations with the Kingdom of Morocco in areas of trade, agriculture, health, tourism, energy, among others, for the mutual benefit of our countries,” he stated.
His sentiments come barely a day after SADR President Brahim Ghali visited the country and was officially recognized during Ruto’s swearing-in ceremony at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Primarily, Kenya was among 41 UN member states who recognized Sahrawi state and had been pushing for a cease-fire with Morocco.
