Regional Interests and Kenyan Stability
February 3, 2008
With all respect to the Kofi Annan mediation effort, perhaps it is time that the region’s leaders visited Nairobi as a group and insisted on some movement toward a political settlement. In the same way that the Lusaka and Arusha peace agreements, aimed at Congo and Burundi respectively, were crafted from tough negotiations led by the region, Kenya too should follow this path. The difference being that the region has very real interests in a stable Kenya and that it has leverage against both sides. How much longer for instance can Rwanda and Uganda seat on the sidelines and watch as a major trading and investment partner – not to mention a thoroughfare for their imports and exports – go up in flames?
Entry Filed under: Home and Nation, Kenya Violence and Politics. .
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Blue | February 6, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Martin,
You have written so much truth. But from what we have all witnessed in the last couple of weeks, it is painfully evident that all our leaders have no feelings for the citenzenry of our nation, let alone the interests of our neighbours. I, and in this I am sure that I am not alone, have lost any respect for either leader in the two camps.
As a former military person, at times I am inclined to agree with President Kagame in the role of the military in a fast deteriorating situation such as ours. For the sake of peace for future generations I would be prepared to ” bite the bullet” and accept a suspension of my rights and liberties for a period of peace that would tone down the extremists and create conditions that will allow reconciliation and talks to address the issues.
Hell. At this point I would even welcome an invasion from our neighbours.I am sick and tired of people dying everday only for politicians to point fingers and blame each other.
For those that disagree- you cannot possibly hate or disagree with me more than I hate Emilio and Raila. They have lost my respect.