EKITELA LOKAALE TAKES OFFICE AS KENYA’S NEW UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
The newly appointed Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, Ekitela Lokaale, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday. Lokaale, a former Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly, takes up this key post at a time of critical developments in global affairs.
The challenges that the world is facing today are key issues as he takes up this post, and above all, sharply escalating geopolitical tensions.
In his speech while presenting his credentials, Lokaale noted the close relationship in history between Kenya and the United Nations. He swore to help along some key global goals: peace, stability, development, and human rights. Lokaale said he would work closely with the UN, strengthening relations between Kenya and the UN. He succeeded Martin Kimani, who has been Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations since December 2020.
Before his Speakership, Lokaale had built a diplomatic background with the United Nations Development Programme, which gave him most of the insights regarding international diplomacy and development issues that he needed to help him in his new appointment.
The world is currently in a tumultuous state. With conflicts on the African continent ongoing and rapid change in the geopolitical dynamics, deft diplomatic maneuvering and strategic engagement are imperative.
One of the immediate tasks that Lokaale will undertake is to oversee the participation of Kenya in the multinational mission in Haiti, which the Kenya Police is leading.
The mission is to address critical needs in Haiti, and it has been plagued by huge shortfalls; Lokaale will collaborate with partners from the UN to secure additional funding and ensure that the success of the mission sees the light of day.
This will go a long way in ensuring that Kenya retains its active role in international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
Furthermore, Lokaale is going to be vital in pushing for Africa’s interests at the UN Headquarters in New York. Of late, Kenya has taken positions on several international issues, including its clear condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
As a member of the Committee of Ten, an African Union team set up to address canvassing for support on the reforms that will be made in the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Lokaale will now take a more frontline role in advancing the African agenda. The C-10 is tasked with addressing Africa’s underrepresentation within the UNSC and advancing a fairer, more effective security framework.
With these responsibilities, Lokaale is sure to influence key decisions internationally and increase Kenya’s exposure to the global community, showcasing this nation’s commitment toward world diplomacy and reform.
