A Sad Chapter in Kenya's History
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Friends for Peace in Africa, (FPA) is very concerned about the ongoing crisis in Kenya. Peace and stability is increasingly slipping away as disruptive and life-threatening violence, displacement of people, and the resulting aftershocks weaken the economies of the Great Lakes region.
In Africa's recent history, two countries, Kenya and Tanzania have stood out for their relative stability. They have also held regular and free and fair elections compared to some of their neighboring countries. Sudan to the north had had 21 years of war until a negotiated comprehensive peace agreement was signed. Uganda has had 21 years of war in its northern region. Rwanda had its infamous moment in 1994. Somalia has not known peace for years. Ethiopia has had its war for over 30 years culminating in the separation and creation of the independent state of Eritrea.
Indeed, since the legendary Mau Mau war in the early 50’s Kenya was considered a stable country second only to Tanzania in the region. However all that changed on December 27, 2007 when it held presidential and parliamentarian elections. Due to alleged irregularities in the election as noted by the main opposition party (Orange Democratic Movement) led by Raila Odinga and election observers from Africa, Europe and America, the declaration of the sitting President Mwai Kibaki as winner and his swearing in immediately thereafter sparked off wide spread protest in which a large number of people estimated between 300 and 1,000 were killed and as many as 250,000 others were internally displaced. Certainly, this is a sad chapter in the history of a country which has for many years served as a valuable refuge for many people from the neighboring countries.
The potential of the crisis escalating into a full blown ethnic cleansing, elicited a swift response from various distinguished African leaders including the Nobel Laureate, Bishop Desmond Tutu, former presidents of Mozambique (Joaquin Chissano), Tanzania (Ben Mkapa), Botswana (Sir Katumile Masire) and Zambia (Kenneth Kaunda). The current chairman of the African Union, the President of Ghana (John Kufuor) was also dispatched to mediate the crisis. The European Union and diplomats from various countries including Britain and United States of America have also tried to mediate the crisis. While there is a temporary lull in the violence, so far the political crisis has not been resolved and the ODM is planning to take to the streets next week. Will the current government of Kenya provide a non-violent forum for the people to voice their dissent non-violently?
FPA greatly appreciates all the efforts being undertaken to mediate the crisis. On behalf of the board and members of Friends for Peace in Africa, we therefore urge the Kibaki and the Odinga camps to place the interests of the people above any personal ambitions. The pursual of a negotiated settlement and protection of peace and stability is the way forward instead of resorting to a military confrontation.
Marcellina Otii
Board Chair, FPA
moti(at)comcast.net
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