Kenya‘s New President Ruto Revokes Recognition of “SADR”
Following his inauguration, President William Ruto swiftly severed Kenya’s recognition of the self-proclaimed “Sahara Democratic Republic” (SADR), marking his first major foreign policy decision. This move aligns Kenya with the United States and other nations that have previously recognized the puppet republic.
Kenya’s New Foreign Policy Direction
The revocation of recognition was announced by President Ruto shortly after his inauguration. He stated that Kenya will terminate its representation in the SADR and formally support Morocco. This aligns with a broader shift in Kenya’s foreign policy, with the country poised to establish a full diplomatic mission in Morocco.
Supporting the United Nations Framework
President Ruto emphasized the importance of the United Nations as the sole mechanism for resolving the conflict in the Sahara region. He explicitly rejected the SADR, stating that Kenya supports only peaceful initiatives undertaken within the UN framework.
Strengthening Relations with Morocco
The announcement of support for Morocco coincides with President Ruto’s decision to accelerate bilateral relations with the North African nation. This includes strengthening cooperation in various sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, tourism, and energy.
Kenya’s Distance from the SADR
Multiple Kenyan media outlets reported the president’s clear rejection of the SADR and his initiation of steps to close down its representation in Kenya. This aligns with the general consensus among African nations to support the United Nations-led peace process in the region.