Mozambique has taken Kenya’s place in the Security Council of the United Nations. The South African nation’s two-year term at the council officially began on January 1st, 2023.
Martin Kimani, Kenya’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN in New York, representing Kenya in the council from June 18, 2020. In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Kimani said Kenya had performed admirably at the UN and would soon make clear the key lessons in the days ahead.
Our job in the Security Council is complete, and to mark the occasion, I’m wearing a tie from the National Defense College in recognition of the Kenya Defense Forces personnel who best represent what the UN stands for. In a statement released on December 31, 2022, Kimani said, “In the days to come, I will express some of the significant lessons we gained. For now, all I feel is an enormous appreciation for the chance.”
On December 12, 2022, US President Joe Biden praised Kenya’s contribution to the UNSC. The United States is very appreciative of Kenya’s leadership, efforts, and role as a member of the UN Security Council in furthering democracy and security in the area, he said. Along with Kenya, the Security Council has also lost the support of Ireland, Mexico, and Norway.
For the UNSC’s two-year non-permanent seats, Mozambique, who will represent Africa, will now be joined by Ecuador, Japan, Malta, and Switzerland. The United States of America, China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom are among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Maintaining international peace and security on a global scale is the Security Council’s primary duty.