Kenya’s President William Ruto is against the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It has been a year since the war broke out, however, its impact on other countries remain ever potent.
Commodity prices of grain and fertilizers have skyrocketed in Kenya as a result.
Interacting with DW chief International Editor, Richard Walker, President Ruto reiterated his opposition to the ongoing war which has escalated in recent times.
He noted that as a signatory to the UN Charter which codifies the major principles of international relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition of the use of force in international relations, Kenya automatically resents the ongoing war.
“Because we are great believers and signatories to the UN Charter, which speaks directly to a rules-based glove, you ensuring that there is respect for countries and their boundaries. Any violation of the UN Charter by anybody in whatever manner is a threat to violation of the same elsewhere, everywhere in the world.”
The UN Charter is an instrument of international law, and UN Member States are bound by it. Ukraine was among the first countries that signed the United Nations Charter, becoming a founding member of the United Nations among 51 countries.
Russia on the other hand is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a status Ukraine wants revoked.
According to Ruto, “our position has been: This can be resolved. We must be a rules-based globe. We must respect the UN Charter.”
“That’s the position of Kenya and not just the position of Kenya. That’s the position of the UN and any country that subscribes to the UN Charter,” he added.
Ruto believes the world must be eager to take into consideration the views of Africa on sensitive issues. He said Africa “is not the continent of disease and poverty anymore” but “the continent that has a future.”
“And as you say correctly, the world is realizing that Africa is an important destination, important because of what the future portends. You know this is the continent that has 30% of the world’s natural resources. And everybody, any reasonable leader anywhere in the world would want to know what Africa thinks and would want a partnership with the African continent.”
Currently, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin.
Source: The Independent Ghana