Kenya Backs Okonjo-Iweala, Says It’s Africa’s Turn To Produce WTO DG

The government of Kenya has expressed support for the candidacy of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry said this in a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo.

The government said that it has endorsed Okonjo-Iweala in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

The support for Okonjo-Iweala is coming after the Country’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed last Wednesday saw her dream to head the World Trade Organisation ended abruptly.  

Amina’s star was shot down over what the WTO termed as a clash of ideas between Kenya and the European Union’s policies.

The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry said in the statement that although Mohamed was the most qualified candidate to steer WTO, it accepts that the process has moved on without her.

The statement reads in part, “Kenya expresses deep gratitude to all WTO Members for according Ambassador Amina Mohamed the utmost support throughout her campaign.

“The courtesies and valuable time availed to her, to meet all delegations and leaders, either in person or virtually; bilaterally or in the regional groupings, are most appreciated.

“In the next round we remind the membership that it was agreed that this would be Africa’s turn.

“Kenya therefore throws its firm, unwavering support behind Ngozi Iweala of Nigeria, wishes her the best and expects the international community to abide by this important  promise as the two candidates  proceed to the final round.”

Okonjo- Iweala was shortlisted for the final stage of the position of the Director-General of the WTO, alongside South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee.

Before now, eight candidates started the process for the top position. They are Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria; Jesus Kuri from Mexico,  Amina Mohamed, a Kenyan; Tudor Ulianovschi, a Moldovan; Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh, an Egyptian; Yoo Myung-hee, South Korean; Liam Fox from the UK; and Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri from Saudi Arabia.

The name of the candidate that would head the WTO is expected to be unveiled on November 7.