This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Kenya and Djibouti in Tight Race for UN Security Council Seat ¶
Published on June 18, 2020
United Nations members are set to vote today for new non-permanent members of the Security Council, with Kenya and Djibouti facing off in a closely contested race.
The virtual vote, conducted to contain the spread of coronavirus, will determine which of the two African countries will replace South Africa on the UN's most powerful organ.
Kenya and Djibouti are among seven countries vying for the seat, including India, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, and Norway. However, the actual competition is between the two African nations, who have been engaged in a heated campaign.
The voting process is typically a formality, as regions often agree on a candidate. However, the rivalry between Kenya and Djibouti has forced African countries to take sides, with Kenya accusing Djibouti of running a "dishonourable" campaign at the African Union Summit in February.
Despite diplomatic efforts and mediation attempts by then AU chairperson Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, the two countries remain locked in a bitter contest. Kenya secured the African Union's endorsement in August, but Djibouti refused to concede, arguing that the decision was "illegal".
