This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Published on June 15, 2020, the UN Security Council vote for new non-permanent members is set to take place on June 17, with Kenya and Djibouti in a tight race for the coveted seat.
Although the vote will be conducted virtually due to COVID-19 measures, it will still be a secret ballot. The two African countries are competing to replace South Africa on the UN's powerful Security Council.
Kenya and Djibouti have been engaged in a fierce campaign, with Kenya complaining of Djibouti's 'dishonourable' campaign at the African Union Summit in February. Diplomatic efforts, including mediation by then AU chairperson Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, failed to resolve the issue.
Kenya won the African Union's endorsement in August, but Djibouti refused to back down, arguing the decision was 'illegal.' Kenya responded by stating that the endorsement was final and not subject to review.
Kenya's Permanent Representative to the UN, Kenya, emphasized that the matter was no longer just about the candidature, but about the values and principles that the African Union and its member states abide by.
On the other hand, Djibouti's Permanent Representative to the UN, Mohamed Siad Doualeh, argued that Djibouti was Africa's 'legitimate' candidate, stating that it had patiently waited its turn.
