Columnist criticizes African leaders’ spending in New York — Nation Kenya

In New York, United States, a Nation Kenya column author criticized the spending of African leaders and large delegations during trips to the UN General Assembly. In his view, such expenses are paid for by taxpayers, even though the continent’s states declare a lack of resources.

The author notes that the lowest price for a room at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel is approximately 120,000 Kenyan shillings, or $1,223. He claims that presidents and prime ministers may arrive at UN events with large entourages that, according to him, include relatives, friends and other individuals.

Protest near the hotel

The column mentions Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya. According to the author, representatives of the Guinean diaspora came to the Waldorf Astoria to protest against his rule.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

The columnist also criticizes discussions of possible African representation on the UN Security Council. He considers such calls premature because of problems of impunity, dictatorship and corruption, as well as, in his view, the African Union’s insufficient response to the actions of authoritarian leaders.

Migration and delegation expenses

The author calls corruption and ineffective public administration factors behind the illegal migration of Africans to Western countries. He believes that because of this, young people seek opportunities abroad and may face danger from smugglers.

In the columnist’s opinion, the funds spent by African delegations in New York during the UN General Assembly could have been directed toward building schools and hospitals. As an example, he cites Kenya, whose delegation, according to him, was one of the largest at the event.