Kenyatta warns lack of COVID-19 vaccine can drive insecurity in fragile countries

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 6-The United Nations Security Council has been challenged to lead calls for support towards fragile countries in Africa to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine, for them to be able to revive their hard-hit economies.

President Uhuru Kenyatta says lack of access can easily turn into a political and eventually security challenge to fragile countries.

The President was speaking during the UN Security Council open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security and more so in fragile countries.

United Nations Security General Antonio Guterres and African Union chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat were present during the online debate.

“The Security Council, and associated UN bodies, should do more to strengthen the capacity of key state institutions during post-conflict reconstruction. The Peacebuilding Commission will play an invaluable role, which Kenya will support closely over the next two years,” the President said.

He added that the Council, “should not let the COVID-19 pandemic be a major driver of insecurity. If fragile countries do not get prompt access to the vaccine, their economic problems will likely turn into political and security challenges.”

He noted that “The fact that the Security Council spends the bulk of its agenda on conflicts in Africa, is testament to the fragility of many countries and regions in the continent. If we are to be true to the founding charter of the UN, it follows, therefore, that we should invest more in building more effective approaches, or revitalizing existing mechanisms, that maintain peace and anchor stability in Africa.”

“In Africa, the capacity of the state, in the most fragile situations, has not grown sufficiently to effectively control every part of its territory. Its ability to deliver public goods to all citizens has also been limited. In the meantime, the most dangerous challenges facing countries have multiplied.”

Kenyatta urged the Security Council, and associated UN bodies, to do more to strengthen the capacity of key state institutions during post-conflict reconstruction.

The Peace building Commission will play an invaluable role, which Kenya will support closely over the next two years.