Mozambique Replaces Kenya in United Nations Security Council

Kenya is no longer a member of the United Nations Security Council after Mozambique won the slot on January 1, 2023, for a two-year stint.

Kenya had won the UN Security Council seat on June 18, 2020, and was represented by Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Martin Kimani.

That was Kenya’s third stint in the powerful seat and that ran for a two year period that ended on December 31.

Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Martin Kimani

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In his farewell statement, Ambassador Kimani remarked, “Our work in the Security Council is done, and to mark the occasion, I am wearing the National Defense College tie in honor of the men and women of Kenya Defense Forces who exemplify what UN stands for."

“In the coming days, I will communicate some of the important lessons we learned but for now, all I feel is an overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity,” Kimani added in a statement published on December 31, 2022.

The ambassador was a key voice in discussing measures to end the conflict in Ukraine.

On February 22, 2022, Kimani was lauded globally after a strongly worded speech that called for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

“Kenya registers its strong concern and opposition to the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.

“We further strongly condemn the trend in the last few decades of powerful states breaching international law with little regard,” the ambassador stated at the time.

Kenya’s contribution to the council was lauded by United States President Joe Biden on December 12, 2022.

“The United States greatly appreciates Kenya’s leadership and efforts in advancing democracy and security in the region and her contribution as a member of the United Nations Security Council,” Biden noted in a congratulatory message.

The UN has 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council and five permanent members.

The permanent members of the security council comprise of; China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The non-permanent members are elected on a two-year rotational plan and they comprise; five nations from Africa and Asia, two countries from Latin America, and two nations from Western Europe.

With Kenya’s tenure ending, Mozambique joins Ghana and Gabon as non-permanent members representing Africa.

Mozambique was elected to join the security council alongside Ecuador, Japan, Malta, and Switzerland.

Other countries that saw the end of their two-year tenure alongside Kenya include India, Ireland, Mexico, and Norway.

The security council’s core responsibility is the maintenance of international peace and security across the globe.

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