Kenya has stirred diplomatic relations with Serbia, which is often backed by Russia and China at the United Nations level, after President William Ruto recognised Kosovo as an independent state on Wednesday.
According to pictures and statements posted by former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli on his Facebook page, President Ruto signed the recognition letter, making Kenya the first country to recognise Kosovo in five years.
"I have gone door to door, office to office, with only one goal - to make the voice and the right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence, and sovereignty be heard," Pacolli said, adding that he had been lobbying for this since 2009.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Kenya has recognised Kosovo, which means the country will begin the process of establishing formal diplomatic relations. "Kenya has recognised Kosovo in the interest of international peace and security, territorial integrity and in furtherance of strengthening relations with countries in the Balkans," the State Department of Foreign Affairs said.
In 2008, Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia. However, it has yet to gain membership in the United Nations, largely because of resistance from Serbia and its supporting allies, such as Russia and China, who hold veto power in the UN.
Thus, the move by the Head of State has been termed "an unacceptable and hostile act” by Serbia, which has vowed to take action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, in its rejoinder, said it “strongly condemned the decision of Kenya to recognise the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo."
In its statement, Serbia all but declared an end to diplomatic relations with Kenya. Serbia has said the decision by President Ruto’s government trampled on the UN Charter, which it insists guarantees its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Such a move represents a gross violation of international law and a direct violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which unequivocally guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia,” Serbia said.
Serbia has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend its territorial integrity, clearly stating what repercussions Kenya might face. “The Republic of Serbia will take all necessary diplomatic and political measures in response to this unacceptable and hostile act,” it asserted.
Adding, “Serbia remains firmly committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity by all available diplomatic and legal means.”
It remains unclear what the motivation is for Ruto’s government to formalise relations with Kosovo, but Kosovo is seeking trained workers in certain fields such as construction and healthcare, which could be an area the government is seeking to explore.
