Editor's Review

"Kenya's position on the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is fully aligned with the decision of the organization of African Unity."

Barely a week after President William Ruto tweeted that Kenya has rescinded move to recognise Sahrawi Democratic Republic as an independent state, a new communique by the ministry of Foreign affairs states otherwise.

The tweet, which has since been deleted, further indicated that processes had been initiated to remove the entity's presence in Nairobi.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign affairs Ambassador Kamau Macharia said Kenya still recognises Sahrawi as an independent state as  approved by the African Union.

PS Ambassador Kamau Macharia. PHOTO | COURTESY

"Kenya's position on the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is fully aligned with the decision of the organization of African Unity (OAU) to admit for the unquestionable and inalienable right of a people to self determination," an internal note by Foreign Affairs Ministry dated September 16, stated.

"Further, the country aligns itself with decision of subsequent AU Assemblies of Heads of State and Government on SADR."

The internal note was addressed to all heads of mission and all heads of directorate

Kamau further stated that Kenya aligns itself with UN security council resolution 690 (1991) that calls for the self determination of Western Sahara through a free and fair referendum administered by the UN and AU.

"It should equally be noted that Kenya does not conduct its foreign policy on Twitter or any other social media platforms, rather through official government documents and frameworks," the letter further said.