U.S. to designate Kenya as first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa
The United States has said it would designate Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa.
This came as President Joe Biden, on Thursday, welcomed Kenya’s President William Ruto for a state visit.
A senior administration official had on Wednesday revealed that Mr Biden will inform Congress of the designation, which takes 30 days to take effect.
The official said the move aims at “elevating and acknowledging that Kenya is already a global partner of ours.”
Mr Ruto’s journey to the U.S. has been billed as “historic” and is expected to mostly focus on trade and security partnership between Kenya and Mr Biden’s government.
Both countries had pledged to lead a UN-backed multinational mission seeking to restore order in Haiti, which has been wracked by gang-fueled anarchy.
The designation gives non-members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation access to military and financial advantages.
In the meantime, Messers Ruto and Biden are now using their daylong deliberations to iron out Kenya’s plan to send 1,000 security officers to the chaotic Caribbean nation of Haiti.
The initiative, toward which the U.S. has pledged $300 million in support, faces stiff political and legal challenges in Kenya.
The mission was delayed when Haitian armed gangs took control while the nation’s leader, Ariel Henry, was visiting Kenya in March.
The official said that Mr Ruto would meet with Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the mission but promised no progress.
“This is an ongoing area of collaboration,” the official said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Over 86,000 foreign nationals repatriated from South Africa in two months: Official
Ms Kubayi said Malawians had continued to make up the largest group, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
World
Global oil prices hit $100 per barrel as conflicts worsen in Middle East
Iran attacked U.S. targets in the Middle East on Wednesday in retaliation for the American strikes on their oil tankers.
NationWide
Davido speaks on Dangote’s longstanding relationship with his family
“Aliko Dangote drove my mom home from the hospital when she gave birth to me,” he said.
Heading 2
300 flights cancelled in UK over technical problems
Despite Ms Alexander’s confirmation that the issue has been resolved, close to 300 flights had been cancelled across the UK on Wednesday.
World
Mexican president urges U.S. to help fight drug trafficking
The U.S. must do its part in the anti-narcotics fight, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said amid alleged corruption at the Drug Enforcement Administration.
States
PDP disowns Osun governorship election tribunal petition
The Peoples Democratic Party has disowned an election petition filed in its name challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 Osun governorship poll.
