Strengthen International Law To End Maritime Insecurity - President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for the strengthening of the international legal regime and institutions as part of global efforts to end the challenge of maritime insecurity.

Speaking on Monday during the virtual United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on maritime security, Kenyatta appealed for the cessation of geopolitical rivalries saying tensions between nations were creating an environment that aids maritime insecurity.

“Competition between established and rising powers leaves us all, worse off. Instead, we need a strengthened emphasis on observing international law and resisting the lure of promoting proxy rivalries in pursuit of narrow interests. 

“…international cooperation should prioritise equipping and training effective national coast guards. A properly contextualized regional and sub-regional approach is the way to go,” the President said.

Noting that threats to maritime insecurity such as terrorism, piracy, and robbery at sea are predominantly a factor of land-based instability, President Kenyatta proposed the establishment of secure maritime routes and economic zones by strengthening the potential of countries to resolve domestic and regional security challenges.

virtual United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on maritime security.

“Therefore, successful global climate change adaptation and mitigation, is key to the security of these states,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader encouraged innovative free and fair trade regimes in areas such as the Indian Ocean Rim, and expressed confidence that new approaches will deliver economic prosperity to the world's poorest economies.

The November 2018 conference was co-hosted by Kenya, Canada and Japan, and brought together delegates from 184 countries to deliberate on the sustainability of the global blue economy.

“Kenya, therefore, welcomes this debate as a continuing conversation on the subject and the Council’s (UNSC) contribution to the attainment of the aspirations of the 2018 Nairobi Sustainable Blue Economy Conference,” President Kenyatta stated. 

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India whose country holds this month's UNSC presidency. 

On his part, Prime Minister Modi commended Kenya for being an important voice in the sustainable utilization of the blue economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Pham Minch Chinh of Vietnam, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken were other key speakers at the virtual meeting.