Kenya has officially acknowledged Kosovo as an independent nation, becoming the first country to do so after nearly five years of halted attempts to secure broader international recognition.
Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia in 2008; however, it remains outside the United Nations due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including Russia and China, who hold veto power in the U.N.
More than 110 nations, including the United States and the majority of European countries, have recognized Kosovo’s sovereignty.
The announcement was made by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who posted photos on his Facebook page featuring Kenyan President William Ruto as he signed the recognition document.
See more: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant could restart months after ceasefire, IAEA chief says
“I have visited numerous offices and homes with a singular aim – to amplify the voice and rights of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence, and sovereignty,” Pacolli stated, noting that he has been advocating for this recognition since 2009.
The most recent country to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state was Israel in September 2020.
