* * * NEWS UPDATES * * *
From Suspension of Talks to Fragile Success
Inter Press Service (Johannesburg)NEWS
28 February 2008
Posted to the web 29 February 2008
By Kwamboka Oyaro
Nairobi
The signing of a power-sharing agreement to end the political crisis in Kenya has elicited a variety of reactions.
"It is a historical moment for Kenyans and we need to celebrate," political analyst Grace Mbugua told IPS.
"There have been hurdles and the two leaders were actually the impediment to the talks," she added, in reference to head of state Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who have been locked in a dispute over the Dec. 27 presidential polls. Odinga claims that Kabaki rigged the vote to earn a second term in office, while international observers have expressed concern about the conduct of both sides during the ballot.
"But, since they have agreed, I am optimistic that the chaos will end and will never come up again," Mbugua said.
Motorists in the capital, Nairobi, hooted to express their appreciation of the deal, which came after more than a month of talks and was broadcast live. A number of people in Harambee Avenue, opposite the president's office, sang -- becoming the target of tear gas fired by police -- while in Odinga's western stronghold of Kisumu people immediately took to the streets to celebrate the accord between the opposition Orange Democratic Movement and Kibaki's Party of National Unity.
Other observers were more circumspect, emphasising that implementation of the deal was likely to be a delicate matter, and that many obstacles still had to be overcome in resolving the crisis.
The agreement, initialed Thursday in Nairobi, provides for the creation of a prime minister's post with "authority to coordinate and supervise the execution of the functions and affairs" of government. The position must be filled by an elected legislator who is parliamentary leader of the largest party in the National Assembly -- or of a coalition, in the event that the largest party does not constitute a majority.
Under these terms, Odinga will become Kenya's new prime minister.
Posts for two deputy prime ministers have also been created. The ODM and PNU will each be allowed to nominate someone from the National Assembly to one of these positions.
The prime minister and his deputies can only be removed from office through a motion of no confidence passed by majority vote in parliament.
Other aspects of the arrangement include a stipulation that the coalition government "will at all times take into account the principle of portfolio balance" and reflect the "relative parliamentary strength" of the coalition partners.
The deal is to be integrated in the constitution, which currently does not allow for a prime minister. Kenya's new joint government will only be disbanded if the current legislature is dissolved, if parties agree to the dissolution in writing, or upon the withdrawal of one of the coalition partners.
Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, who has been mediating in the talks, said that the PNU and ODM had agreed to take the agreement to parliament as soon as possible. It is expected to be put into effect through the 'National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008'.
Talks put on hold
The deal came after an exasperated Annan suspended talks on Tuesday, citing lack of progress. Negotiators from the two sides had reportedly deadlocked on a number of issues, including the extent of power that the new prime minister should exercise.
The PNU is said to have wanted a prime minister with limited powers -- and the ODM a head of government with considerable clout. To date, executive power has been vested in the presidency.
The erstwhile U.N. head then bypassed negotiators to start direct talks with Kibaki and Odinga, to give discussions new impetus.
"In all negotiations there is give and take. To those who feel their leaders gave too much I must say compromise was necessary for the healing of this nation," Annan said, Thursday.
For their part, Kibaki and Odinga struck a conciliatory note.
"My government will fully support the agreements reached until we realise what we have set out to," the president said.
Odinga indicated that he was committed to the agreement, noting that Kenya now had an opportunity to find "a firm foundation for a united country."
Dignitaries present at the signing included Tanzanian President and African Union chair Jakaya Kikwete, who joined negotiators Tuesday to help find a solution to the impasse.
"At long last you have an agreement to deal with the historical accident that occurred in December. It can now become a thing of the past," he said, urging leaders to ensure implementation of the accord. [??!!]
Former Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa and leading children's rights activist Graca Machel have also assisted in the mediation effort.
Root causes
Annan said his team would resume talks Friday on ways of addressing poverty, constitutional change and land reform: "These issues underlie the tragic events that followed the December 27 elections and must be addressed once and for all."
The difficulties are also acknowledged in the preamble to the power-sharing accord, which notes that "The crisis triggered by the 2007 disputed presidential election has brought to the surface deep-seated and long-standing divisions within Kenyan society. If left unaddressed, these divisions threaten the very existence of Kenya as a unified country."
More than 1,000 people have been killed and up to 600,000 displaced in clashes sparked by the controversial polls, which have caused ethnic tensions in the East African nation to flare.
Kibaki is a member of the Kikuyu, Kenya's largest tribe, while Odinga is a Luo. The Kikuyu have considerable political and economic influence in this multi-ethnic country, making them a target of resentment on the part of other tribal groups.
The post-election violence has also dealt a blow to the economy, which grew at a brisk rate during Kibaki's 2002-2007 term, even though corruption continued to flourish in Kenya.
Hovering over Thursday's events was the spectre of an earlier, failed agreement between Kibaki and Odinga.
This deal, reached by the leaders ahead of the 2002 polls, was to have made Odinga prime minister in exchange for his support of the National Rainbow Coalition, which Kibaki led to victory. However, the agreement crumbled amidst increasing acrimony between the two men.
"Having witnessed another agreement just before the 2002 elections between the same leaders which was trashed soon after winning, I think now they must keep the public in the know about the progress," said Mbugua. "For sure, this will reduce the tension that has been building up in the country."
Copyright © 2008 Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
http://allafrica.com/stories/200802290003.html
Google News Alert for: Kenya
2/29 - noon
International praise for Kenya's rival leaders for long-awaited ...
The Canadian Press - NAIROBI, Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya's opposition leader said Friday he expects a new power-sharing agreement that will make him prime minister to succeed in ending a ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya leaders thrash out reforms after the pact
Hürriyet - Turkey
Washington, London, Tokyo and the UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed the deal and called for its swift implementation to save Kenya from fresh political agony. ...
See all stories on this topic
Cholera kills 43 on Kenya-Somali border
Reuters South Africa - Johannesburg,South Africa
ISIOLO, Kenya (Reuters) - Cholera has killed 43 people in the last two weeks along the remote border between Kenya and Somalia, officials in both nations ...
See all stories on this topic
In Kenya, A Battle for Words
Washington Post - United States
By Njoroge Wachai There has been a cacophonous debate over whether Kenya’s post-election violence should be characterized as “ethnic cleansing. ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya Negotiations Resume; Parliament to Debate Power Sharing Accord
Voice of America - USA
By Scott Bobb Opposition and government negotiators in Kenya resumed talks Friday, focusing on long-term aspects of the country's crisis. ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya: Happy Catholic Relief Workers Say Pact Offers Nation Fresh Hope
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
The agreement signed offers fresh hope to our nation and presents us with a real opportunity to reflect on and build on the Kenya we want, ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya: Consolata Missionaries Hold Mass for Two Recently Dead Priests
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
The two priests left Kenya this month. Consolata Regional Superior, Fr Franco Cellana, celebrated the mass, which was attended by members of the religious ...
See all stories on this topic
Google News Alert for: Kenya
2/29 - 7 a.m.
And now the hard part begins in Kenya
Toronto Star - Ontario, Canada
27: Millions turn out in relatively peaceful balloting, despite campaign clashes that killed hundreds in western Kenya. Early results indicate Odinga is ...
EXCERPT FROM THIS STORY -
KENYANS' REACTIONS TO THE POWER SHARING AGREEMENT:
While tensions were visibly soothed once Kibaki and Odinga signed the deal, it remains to be seen whether the promises made will be kept and if Kenya – torn apart since the disputed Dec. 27 election – can return to its former prospering self.
"I have faith in the agreement, but not in Kibaki's government," said Ezekiel Isanda, who works for a non-governmental organization and lives in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums.
"Let this agreement serve Kenyans and not their politicians' stomachs."
Observers welcomed the deal but warned that some of Kenya's power-hungry politicians may stand in the way of its full implementation.
"If (politicians) start showing a unity of purpose and togetherness, this thing might hold," said Maina Kiai, chair of the state-funded but independent Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Paul Waweru, 56, among 19,000 people living in a camp in the western town of Eldoret, said "the deal between Raila and Kibaki will help to cool down the situation but I doubt if it will enable us to get back to our homes."
Diana Murugi, 72, whose two sons were killed in the bloodshed, said the deal was meaningless.
"The coalition is about Kibaki, Raila and the big men," she said. "What about those of us here in the camp? How will I reconcile with people who killed my sons? It is impossible, even if Kibaki and Raila are in the same government.''
The deal was a major breakthrough for mediator Kofi Annan, who had suspended stalled negotiations on Tuesday in frustration and demanded the two leaders end the standoff themselves.
Kibaki and Odinga must try to repair the lives of more than a half-million people who have been displaced from their homes and require food, water and medical care. Kenya's Red Cross says it knows of at least 500 youngsters who were separated from their families.
There is also the matter of restoring one of Africa's most promising economies. Kenya, one of the most prosperous and tourist-friendly countries in Africa, has seen up to $1 billion in losses linked to the turmoil.
See all stories on this topic
Kenya Muslims back protests over Obama picture
Reuters South Africa - Johannesburg,South Africa
Incensed at the implication that Obama, whose late father was from western Kenya, did anything wrong on his visit, elders in Wajir have demanded an apology ...
See all stories on this topic
Google News Alert for: Kenya
2/29 - 4:15 a.m.
TABLE-Kenya Commercial Bank '07 pre-tax profit up 33 pct
Reuters - USA
NAIROBI, Feb 29 (Reuters) - The following are audited company results for Kenya's largest retail bank, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCBK. ...
See all stories on this topic
Uganda: Citizens Hail Kenya Power Pact
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
UGANDA welcomed yesterday's agreement signed between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to end Kenya's post-election violence. ...
See all stories on this topic
Google News Alert for: Kenya
2/29 - 1 a.m.
Kenya rivals reach peace agreement
International Herald Tribune - France
By Jeffrey Gettleman NAIROBI, Kenya: Kenya's rival leaders broke their tense standoff on Thursday, agreeing to share power in a deal that may end the ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya assault the status quo
CricInfo.com - UK
They have since reached a World Cup semi-final in 2003, but arguably Kenya's finest hour remains their first assault on the status quo, two tournaments ...
See all stories on this topic
Google News Alert for: Kenya
2/28
Kenya: Deal Renews Hope for Boom
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
A new hope for Kenya was born yesterday after the Government and opposition reached a power-sharing deal, potentially ushering in an era of political ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya: Annan Steers Rivals to End Crisis
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
"It is a foundation for reconciliation that aims at restoring Kenya to the rightful place," he added. Annan said he would reconvene the mediation talks this ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya: International Community is Not Meddling
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
This partly explains the growing lobby in Kenya in recent times that is attempting to assert a Kenyanness that is ill-defined and plainly illusory. ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya: CBK Warns of Coffee Smuggling Amid Boom
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
Growing areas in western Kenya, especially around Kisii are known to witness the worst cases of coffee smuggling into neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda while ...
See all stories on this topic
Google News Alert for: Kenya
2/28
Kenya: Deal Done
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
The landmark pact establishes a coalition government, which radically alters the way Kenya would be governed with Mr Odinga becoming independent Kenya's ...
See all stories on this topic
Kenya: New Chapter Opened, Says ODM Leader
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga Thursday described the signing of the deal as historic moment for Kenya. Mr Odinga said for the ...
See all stories on this topic
SOCCER: Caf now omits Kenya from new tournament
Daily Nation - Nairobi,Kenya
Coming just a fortnight after Tusker FC were dismissed from the Africa Champions League, after the Kenya Football Federation’s failure to pay a Sh450,000 ...
See all stories on this topic
This as-it-happens Google Alert is brought to you by Google.
Beautiful story of peacebuilding across lines of ethnicity:
KENYA: Friends united
Damaris and Nancy were friends and neighbours in Nairobi's Mathare slum before Kenya was plunged into a post-election crisis in late December 2007. They have remained friends despite their different ethnic backgrounds and are now among hundreds of people internally displaced at the Huruma chief's camp near Mathare.
Nancy Wanjiru is a Kikuyu while Damaris Angulu is Luhya. Their communities took opposing stands in the aftermath of the general elections held on 27 December.
"When I reached the Air Force compound on 3 January after our home was looted and burnt, it was Damaris who welcomed me, she shared her mattress with me," Wanjiru told IRIN on 27 February. "Since we were moved to the Huruma chief's camp, Damaris has been there for me, she is like my mother." Their friendship illustrates how ethnicity has ceased to be a key issue in the face of hardship.
Full report
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?KENYA: Healing the children
One of the greatest challenges following the post-election violence in Kenya is to restore the physical and mental wellbeing of 150,000 displaced children, many of whom have witnessed atrocities and lost contact, in many cases permanently, with their families, humanitarian workers told IRIN.
"The future of Kenya is very dark because the children we are bringing up, the things they saw, we don't know how those things are going to [affect] their lives," said James Riako, a volunteer counsellor with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), working in a transit camp for displaced people in the grounds of St Stephen's Cathedral in Kisumu, the capital of Nyanza Province in western Kenya.
"The children are harbouring a lot. They were drawing pictures for us. One child said: 'Somebody came and killed my parents when I was there. We were burnt and I am the only one who survived.' Another one could not talk.
Full report http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=76948
No comments:
Post a Comment