President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the UN Security Council and other stakeholders in peacekeeping operations to provide predictable resources that would ensure excellent performance of UN troops.
The President, who spoke on the side-lines of the ongoing 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, reiterated Kenya’s endorsement of the Declaration of Shared Commitments and reaffirmed Kenya’s undertaking to continue its participation in peacekeeping operations.
“I urge the UN Security Council and other stakeholders to play their part by providing predictable and sustainable funding, enablers and force multipliers to enable the force to enhance its performance,” said President Kenyatta.
Uhuru pointed out that template-based mandates that are not situation specific put peacekeepers in awkward positions, especially when they have to deal with complex and evolving threats.
“Peacekeepers today face a myriad of challenges that undermine their ability to deliver on their mandate. This calls for a decisive intervention to make peacekeeping responsive and fit for purpose,” the President said
President Kenyatta commended the UN well-trained Antonio Guterres for launching Action for Peacekeeping Initiative which he said is timely in ensuring that troops deliver on their mandate.
Action for Peacekeeping aims at bridging the gap caused by lack of adequate resources in three ways: by refocusing peacekeeping with more realistic expectations; by making missions stronger and safer; and by mobilizing greater political support for solutions and for well equipped, well trained forces.
“ I am happy to note that this initiative commits to provide clear prioritised and achievable mandates matched by appropriate resources,” the President said.
Uhuru further noted that partnerships in peacekeeping operations are crucial in bringing positive results citing the Somalia case where the UN and the African Union have been able to secure the nation through AMISOM.
The East African nation deployed its troops in Somalia to fight Al-Shabaab fighters in Southern Somalia in 2011.
Kenyan authorities have been demanding compensation from the United Nations (UN) for its troops fighting Al-Shabaab.
A year later, the UN Security Council gave Kenya the green light to join Amisom, a decision that meant the Treasury would not bear the full costs of the incursion.
Currently, there are at least 4,000 Kenyan soldiers in Somalia.
Halbeeg News and Kenyan local media
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