Kenya threatens Africa CDC action over Saudi travel ban
Nairobi protests disproportionate Ebola travel restrictions that suspend visas and bar arrivals.
Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has threatened to escalate its concerns over Saudi Arabia’s suspension of travel from Kenya to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The ministry described the restrictions, which include suspending visa issuance and barring travellers who have been in Kenya within the previous 21 days, as disproportionate and potentially harmful to Kenya’s economic and diplomatic interests.
The ministry, headed by Musalia Mudavadi, stated on October 30 that it would work with other affected African countries to present the matter to Africa CDC. Kenya argues that restrictions not supported by scientific evidence could set a concerning precedent for the continent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health maintain that Kenya has contained the Ebola outbreak, with no new cases reported since October 19.
Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and stopped issuing visas over Ebola concerns. Kenya is demanding Saudi Arabia review and lift the measures, challenging the kingdom to submit scientific justification to the World Health Organization. Seven patients receiving treatment are expected to be discharged on November 3.
Why it mattersKenya's economic and diplomatic interests are threatened by Saudi Arabia's travel ban and visa suspension.