Kenya Breaks Diplomatic Ground: Recognizing Kosovo's Independence

Kenya has become the first country in nearly five years to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. This move follows extensive lobbying efforts by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli. Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, has faced opposition from countries including Russia and China.

Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, making it the first nation to do so after a significant pause of nearly five years in Kosovo's push for global recognition. This development marks a pivotal moment in Kosovo's decades-long pursuit of international acknowledgment since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Despite Kosovo not being a United Nations member due to opposition from U.N. veto-wielding countries like Russia and China, over 110 nations, notably the United States and most European countries, have acknowledged its sovereignty. The Kenyan announcement was made public by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photographs of himself with Kenyan President William Ruto during the signing ceremony.

Pacolli has been dedicated to seeing Kosovo's independence recognized worldwide. "I have gone door to door, office to office, with only one goal - to make the voice and the right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence and sovereignty being heard," he stated, highlighting his advocacy efforts since 2009. The last nation to recognize Kosovo was Israel, in September 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)