Media Wire Express Correspondent
Russian President Vladimir Putin appoints Vsevolod Tkachenko, a seasoned diplomat with over 40 years of experience, as Russia’s new ambassador to Kenya.
This move signals Moscow’s growing interest in a region that houses the UN’s sole headquarters in the southern hemisphere. Mr. Tkachenko is proficient in Kiswahili, an official language in Kenya and Tanzania, widely used in the Great Lakes region.
The decision may be the latest sign of Moscow’s interest in a place that also hosts the UN’s only headquarters in the southern hemisphere. Mr Tkachenko is fluent in Kiswahili, one of the official languages of both Kenya and Tanzania, and is widely spoken in the Great Lakes region.
He was initially named as the new envoy to Ethiopia and the African Union, according to an earlier dispatch published by Russian state media in June.
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Mr Tkachenko replaces Dmitry Maksimychev, who has held the post since 2018.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Tkachenko was director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Africa Department, a position he has held since 2020.
A Moscow State Institute of International Relations graduate, Mr. Tkachenko commenced his diplomatic journey in East Africa during the 1980s, serving in Kampala and Harare.
His assignment comes amidst Moscow’s efforts to strengthen ties with African nations, amid challenges from Western powers, notably the US. Russia faced criticism for its incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, a move heavily condemned by the West and allies like Kenya at the time. Kenya later adjusted its position, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and endorsing the African Union’s mediation efforts last year, which were led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Comorian President Azali Assoumani, then chairing the African Union, but ultimately proved unsuccessful.
The naming of the new ambassador aligns with Peter Mathuki’s appointment as Nairobi’s ambassador to Moscow.
Dr. Mathuki, a former Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC), has faced growing scrutiny regarding corruption allegations during his tenure at the regional bloc.
He was embroiled in a scandal involving the misuse of a $6.6 million peace fund, as well as allegations of intimidation and staff reassignment within the secretariat. Despite facing accusations, he asserted his innocence and was not impeached by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), despite prior warnings from Members of Parliament.
However, he made history as the first EAC secretary-general to be recalled by his government before completing his five-year term, which began with his appointment during the 21st Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in March 2021.
Source :East Africa News
