Latest news with #Mudavadi
Morocco World
03-08-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Kenya-Morocco Relations Strengthen Following Nairobi's Newfound Sahara Position
Rabat – Bilateral ties between Morocco and Kenya continue to flourish, especially following Nairobi's backing of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the only sustainable approach to end the dispute over Western Sahara. On Wednesday, Morocco's embassy in Nairobi hosted a ceremony commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Throne Day. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, attended the ceremony, reflecting the importance of bilateral ties between the two countries. During the ceremony, he commended Morocco's remarkable progress under King Mohammed VI's reign in different sectors, including infrastructure and socio-economic development. He cited the 2018 launch of Morocco's high-speed rail as well as the development of the Tanger-Med port. Mudavadi also recalled the opening of Morocco's embassy in Nairobi in 1981, describing it as a key milestone in bilateral ties, and Kenya's establishment of its embassy in Rabat in December 2023. 'Our partnership covers areas such as trade, education, technology, and renewable energy,' he said. The remarks reflect the new heights of bilateral ties between the two countries, especially after Kenya decided to endorse Morocco's autonomy initiative in May this year. In May this year, Mudavadi visited Morocco, where he met with Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. In a joint statement following the meeting, Kenya announced its new position on the Sahara, saying that it considers the autonomy initiative as the only 'sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue.' It added that it intends to 'cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation,' welcoming the growing consensus and the momentum led by King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy initiative. The move is historic as Kenya abandoned its long-standing support for the Polisario Front, a stance heavily shaped by Algeria's regime lobbying. Algeria's regime challenges Morocco's territorial integrity by lobbying in favor of Polisario's separatism and independence claims in Western Sahara. It has been hosting the separatist group for decades, sheltering it, arming it, and financing its separatist agenda. Morocco's return to the AU in 2017 after a 30-year absence contributed to the country's Sahara momentum. Now, Nairobi has joined a growing international chorus that sees the autonomy plan as the only proposal to end the dispute. The position signals the end of a traditional dynamism that long favored the separatist narrative on the continent, demonstrating Morocco's consistent diplomatic engagement through win-win cooperation agreements and exchange of high-level meetings. Morocco's autonomy initiative is welcomed by an international community exceeding 115 countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, France, and Spain. Tags: Algeria and the Western SaharaKenya
Daily News Egypt
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Trump to Host DRC, Rwanda Leaders as Kenya Calls for Stronger Peace Push
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the White House in the coming days, in a bid to advance the implementation of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement between the two nations. The high-level meeting comes amid renewed tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following recent territorial gains by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu in the Kivu region. While a ceasefire deal was signed in Washington on June 27 between the DRC and Rwanda, its terms remain unimplemented. Trump has touted the agreement as a breakthrough in a decades-long conflict, but critics have raised concerns over its vague provisions—particularly regarding the economic framework, given U.S. interest in the region's vast mineral wealth. Kenya Calls for Continued Support In a parallel diplomatic push, Kenya on Wednesday called on both the United States and Qatar to intensify support for the Luanda-Nairobi Process, a dual-track regional peace initiative aiming to resolve the conflict and address its root causes. Kenyan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said in a statement that sustained U.S. and Qatari backing for the process is 'critical' to achieving long-term peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. 'The unified process is a cornerstone for building a sustainable solution to the conflict,' Mudavadi said, urging all stakeholders to honor the ceasefire and political commitments reached so far. The Luanda-Nairobi Process comprises two key tracks: the Luanda track, focusing on political dialogue and ceasefire, and the Nairobi track, led by the East African Community, which includes both political negotiations and military interventions by regional forces. Qatar's Mediation Role Diplomatic sources told AFP that Qatar is preparing to host new talks between the DRC government and the M23 movement, aiming to broaden the scope of the Washington-brokered peace deal. Qatar previously played a key role in mediating the June agreement, alongside the U.S. In a symbolic show of engagement, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame in Doha in March 2025. Mudavadi also welcomed the African Union's endorsement of the regional mediation efforts, describing the peace process as 'a major milestone' that could pave the way for disarming armed groups, establishing a joint security mechanism, and enabling the safe return of displaced populations. He added that ending hostilities in eastern DRC is essential to unlocking regional economic growth and long-term political stability across Central and East Africa.
Morocco World
26-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Bourita, Kenya PM Inaugurate Country's First Embassy in Rabat
Doha – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenyan Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi inaugurated Kenya's first embassy in Rabat on Monday. This is set to be the country's third diplomatic mission in North Africa, after Algeria and Egypt. The celebration also marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. 'This inauguration opens a new chapter in our bilateral relations,' Bourita stated during the ceremony. He noted the embassy would serve as a 'bridge' for future partnership between the two nations. Mudavadi asserted the new diplomatic mission 'offers both countries the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in various domains.' The Kenyan diplomat also reaffirmed his country's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Western Sahara. The diplomatic normalization process began in September 2022 when Kenyan President William Ruto signaled an end to Kenya's decades-long recognition of the fictitious 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic' (SADR). Kenya previously hosted the separatist Polisario Front's self-proclaimed president, Brahim Ghali, and maintained a bogus Sahrawi mission in Nairobi. Relations accelerated rapidly afterward. In March 2023, Kenya's foreign affairs secretary made the first official visit to Rabat. By December 2023, Kenyan senators formally called on their government to open an embassy in Morocco. The relationship continued to strengthen in 2024. In March, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya became Kenya's first ambassador to Morocco. She presented her credentials to Bourita on August 30 of the same year. During today's visit, the two officials signed four memorandums of understanding. These agreements cover habitat, urbanism, youth, services, trade, and diplomatic training. Bourita announced the creation of a joint cooperation commission before year's end, complemented by an economic forum uniting business leaders from both nations. 'The Moroccan-Kenyan partnership should extend to strategic sectors including phosphates, fertilizers, and renewable energy,' Bourita said. He stressed that 'Morocco considers Kenya an essential actor in Africa.' Both ministers foregrounded the importance of political consultations within international forums. These consultations aim to align viewpoints on subjects of common interest, following principles of peace preservation and respect for state sovereignty. Kenya's official stance on the Sahara issue was formalized in a joint statement: 'The Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation.' The statement added that Kenya 'welcomes the growing international consensus and the momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco.' Mudavadi said Kenya follows with great interest Morocco's major diplomatic initiatives. He particularly praised those 'initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which deserve attention and support to achieve peaceful solutions to tensions and conflicts on the African continent.' The prime minister called the Moroccan economy 'emerging' and 'a leader on the continent.' He commended Morocco's support for African integration mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Morocco announced it would offer electronic visas to Kenyan citizens, reciprocating Kenya's similar policy for Moroccans. Rabat also pledged support for Nairobi, the headquarters of UN Environment, to host the next international conference on plastic pollution. Tags: morocco kenyaNasser Bourita
Morocco World
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Kenya Turns Page on Sahara, Backs Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Doha – Kenya has officially declared Morocco's Autonomy Plan as 'the only sustainable approach' to resolve the Western Sahara dispute, marking a major diplomatic victory for Rabat. This position was formalized in a joint statement released Monday in Rabat following talks between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenya's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. 'The Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation,' the statement said. Kenya also 'welcomes the growing international consensus and the momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco as the only credible and realistic solution to resolve the dispute over the Sahara.' This announcement represents the culmination of a diplomatic normalization process that began with President William Ruto's arrival to power in 2022. The two-day official visit by Mudavadi to Morocco from May 26-27 cements this strategic realignment. Decades of tensions end The relationship between Kenya and Morocco had been frozen for decades over the Sahara issue. The relationship between Kenya and Morocco had been frozen for decades over the Sahara issue. Kenya previously actively supported the separatist Polisario Front's self-proclaimed 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR),' even hosting its president, Brahim Ghali, and maintaining a 'Sahrawi' mission in Nairobi. This stance changed dramatically on September 8, 2022, when President Ruto signaled Kenya would no longer recognize the fictitious 'SADR.' Though the tweet announcing this position was quickly deleted, it triggered a reassessment of Kenya's policy toward Morocco. Diplomatic relations accelerated rapidly afterward. In March 2023, Kenya's foreign affairs secretary made the first official visit to Rabat. By December 2023, Kenyan senators had formally called on the government to open an embassy in Morocco. In March 2024, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya became Kenya's first ambassador to Morocco. On August 30 of the same year, she presented copies of her credentials to Bourita. Kenya's 2025 foreign policy blueprint, Sessional Paper No. 1, officially removed any reference to the Sahara issue. During his current trip, Mudavadi is set to officially inaugurate the embassy and hold talks with his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch. This visit will also mark the establishment of Kenya's third diplomatic mission in North Africa, after Algeria and Egypt. Both ministers stressed 'the exclusivity of the United Nations in the political process' and reaffirmed their support for the UN Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2756 (2024), the statement adds. Morocco expressed appreciation for 'Kenya's recognition of Morocco's continued cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to advance the political process based on relevant Security Council resolutions.' Bilateral agreements inked During today's meeting, Bourita and Mudavadi signed several bilateral agreements covering various fields of cooperation. During today's meeting, Bourita and Mudavadi signed several bilateral agreements covering various fields of cooperation. They agreed to schedule the first session of the Morocco-Kenya Joint Cooperation Commission to establish the legal framework for initiatives that could strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two officials noted that bilateral relations have shown positive development, driven by increasing engagement at all levels since President Ruto came to power in 2022. This meeting is part of the new positive dynamic between the two countries. On the multilateral front, the two ministers reaffirmed the importance of political consultations within various international forums and organizations. These consultations aim to align viewpoints on subjects of common interest, following principles of peace preservation and respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. A major challenge in this normalization process is the trade imbalance between the two countries. In 2023, Kenya exported only 500 million shillings (about $3.85 million) worth of goods to Morocco, while importing 12 billion shillings (around $92.4 million) of Moroccan products. This created an 11.5 billion shilling (roughly $88.6 million) structural trade deficit for Kenya. Kenya's exports consist mainly of tea, coffee, textiles, and fruits, while Morocco primarily exports fertilizers, oils, and aircraft parts to Kenya. To combat this, Ambassador Gakinya has outlined a roadmap to strengthen Moroccan investments in Kenya's fertilizer sector while promoting Kenyan agricultural products in the Moroccan market. Morocco's OCP Group, the world's leading phosphate exporter, could establish a fertilizer plant in Kenya to transform the country's agricultural production. This partnership works to ensure stable and competitive local supply, going beyond simple commercial exchanges to include technology transfer and expertise in sustainable soil management and intensive agriculture. Tags: Autonomy Plan for the Saharamorocco kenyaWestern sahara
Business Insider
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
With home security under strain, Kenya rallies Brazil's support for Haiti deployment
Kenya's government has requested Brazil's expertise and funding to enhance efforts in restoring peace and rebuilding broken communities in Haiti. Kenya has sought Brazil's expertise and funding for restoring peace and rebuilding communities in Haiti. Kenya leads the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, deploying 800 officers with plans for additional contributions. Despite judicial objections in Kenya, Parliament approved the deployment of police to Haiti, raising domestic and international concerns. Kenya Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, made the request during a recent visit to Brazil, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address the crisis in Haiti. During his visit, Mudavadi urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and the United States, and other members of the American continent to fulfill and augment their pledged funding for the UN-backed security mission in Haiti. The mission, now in its second year, has received support from the US and the UN, but faced significant funding constraints. Mudavadi held talks with Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mauro Vieira, on the sidelines of the 5th Kenya-Brazil summit. The two leaders discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, and security. Mudavadi also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed the United States' support for Kenya's leadership in the Haiti MSS. ' We reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism. Our discussions explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, health, climate resilience, and security, alongside shared priorities on the multilateral stage', Mudavadi said. Funding Challenges and Concerns Kenya is leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, which includes contributions from countries like Jamaica, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad. Over 800 Kenyan officers have been deployed to restore law and order, combat gang violence, and support the Haitian National Police. In 2023, a Nairobi High Court issued an injunction halting Kenya's planned deployment of police to Haiti, following a petition by opposition leader and constitutional lawyer Ekuru Aukot. He argued the mission lacked legal basis and criticized the move as reckless, given Kenya's own domestic security challenges. Rights groups also warned that Kenyan police, accused of using excessive force at home, could pose a risk in Haiti—where past foreign interventions have led to abuses. Despite the court order, Parliament later approved the deployment, sparking further controversy over the government's defiance of judicial authority. The mission is faced with a significant funding crisis, with only $85 million pledged out of a target $600 million annual budget. Additionally, there are concerns over logistics, personnel shortages, and human rights violations. Kenya is yet to deploy its full contingent of 1,000 police officers. Future of the Mission The United States has proposed replacing the Kenya-led mission with a UN-led peacekeeping operation due to funding concerns. However, some argue that the UN should strengthen the current mission instead of replacing it. Mudavadi's appeal to Brazil for support aims to bolster efforts in restoring peace and rebuilding Haitian communities. Strengthening Bilateral Ties During his visit, Mudavadi and Brazilian officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism, deepening bilateral ties between the two countries. The talks explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various areas, including agriculture, trade, investment, health, and climate resilience. The Kenya-led MSS Mission in Haiti remains a crucial effort to restore stability and security in the country. With international support and cooperation, the mission can continue to make progress in rebuilding Haitian communities and promoting peace.
