Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang'ula wants Africa to help a small nation called Sahrawi become independent. His views clash with President Ruto's government policies even though his party works with the ruling team. Wetang'ula met with a Sahrawi diplomat on Thursday and promised to ask African Union leaders for support. He believes the Sahrawi people deserve to run their country without outside control. The speaker used to serve as Kenya's foreign minister before taking his current job.
Kenya's official position changed under President Ruto's leadership and supports giving Western Sahara limited self-rule under Morocco instead. Morocco claims the desert region belongs to them and wants to control it completely. Kenya opened a new embassy in Morocco's capital city earlier this year to improve business relationships. Government officials said they care more about trade deals with North African countries than helping Sahrawi. The foreign minister publicly announced Kenya's new policy during a May meeting with Moroccan leaders.
Wetang'ula's statements contradict his government's diplomatic strategy and create confusion about Kenya's real position. A senior diplomat said the speaker made personal comments that won't change official government policy. Kenya previously supported Sahrawi independence for many years and helped them join African organizations. The Sahrawi ambassador thanked Kenya for past support and hopes the country will continue helping their independence movement. Kenya hosts a Sahrawi embassy but plans to reduce its operations to please Morocco.
Kenya's official position changed under President Ruto's leadership and supports giving Western Sahara limited self-rule under Morocco instead. Morocco claims the desert region belongs to them and wants to control it completely. Kenya opened a new embassy in Morocco's capital city earlier this year to improve business relationships. Government officials said they care more about trade deals with North African countries than helping Sahrawi. The foreign minister publicly announced Kenya's new policy during a May meeting with Moroccan leaders.
Wetang'ula's statements contradict his government's diplomatic strategy and create confusion about Kenya's real position. A senior diplomat said the speaker made personal comments that won't change official government policy. Kenya previously supported Sahrawi independence for many years and helped them join African organizations. The Sahrawi ambassador thanked Kenya for past support and hopes the country will continue helping their independence movement. Kenya hosts a Sahrawi embassy but plans to reduce its operations to please Morocco.
