It has emerged that Djibouti is running a parallel campaign against Kenya in the quest for the non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
Djibouti’s representative Hibaa Ismael on Wednesday asked members of ninth Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Heads of State and Government Summit in Nairobi to back his mother country for the seat.
This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta attempted to woo the nations to stand with Kenya as it seeks to be granted the honour.
The head of state said that Kenya is ready to assume the role at the UN because of its strategic position and readiness to defend the region.
“We have rolled out an elaborate manifesto of what we intend to bring to the United Nations Security Council,” President Kenyatta said as quoted by the Star.
Uhuru reminded the members that they will be briefed on the matter before they depart to their countries.
Amb Mohamed Doualeh, who is Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the UN embarked on a mission to seek support for the country.
Kenya has received backing from different states for the seat including Algeria, Suriname, and Tanzania.
While delivering a message from President John Pombe Magufuli, Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi said the nation is ready to stand with Kenya to the end.
“We have confidence in Kenya, that you will champion the African voice and will strongly advocate the continent’s position in the UN body,” said Mr Kabudi as quoted by the East African.