Kenya Condemns Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Calls for Red Sea De-Escalation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Kenya has condemned escalating missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and sacred sites, and called for an immediate reduction in hostilities.

In a statement, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure and places of worship violate international humanitarian law and pose a threat to regional stability.

Nairobi also raised concern over threats to commercial shipping and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, warning that disruption along the waterways could have wider consequences for global trade and energy security.

Kenya called for the protection of merchant and commercial vessels and urged all parties to respect international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and the Houthis, including arms-embargo obligations.

The statement comes amid heightened security concerns around key maritime routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and global markets.

The security of these waterways has a direct national interest for Kenya as the country relies heavily on maritime trade, while the Gulf region is also home to a large Kenyan diaspora.

Nairobi said it remained committed to working with international partners to safeguard maritime security and protect legitimate trade.

Kenya also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying it stood with the kingdom in protecting its people, the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims, including Kenyan citizens travelling there.

The government said it was also closely monitoring the safety of Kenyan nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia.

On Yemen, Kenya called for restraint and de-escalation and reiterated its support for a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under United Nations auspices.

It said such a political process remained the path towards a lasting settlement while reaffirming its support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Kenya’s statement also underscored its intention to strengthen its longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia as tensions continue to affect the wider region.