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Keep those fingers crossed
The East African
10. 02. 2008
MOUNTING ANXIETY ASIDE, THERE IS EVERY indication that the ongoing
mediation of the Kenyan political crisis will produce some
positive results in the near future.
This coming week is crucial one, after the two sides have talked
out the most contentious issue, over whether the presidential
election was stolen or not and the possible options out of the
impasse. Notably, the international community is coming down hard
on Kenya, showing obvious determination that the country not be
allowed to join the failed states of Africa.
Fortunately, it is not lost on politicians - those supportive of
President Mwai Kibaki and those behind Raila Odinga - that should
the mediation talks led by Kofi Annan fail, Kenya is likely to be
plunged into serious chaos that neither of them can control.
Both sides are still hanging on to most of their demands, but Mr
Annan has made it clear that a significant climb-down across the
board is required for tangible results to be achieved. It is no
longer a question of who should blink first, as the very survival
of Kenya as an entity is at stake.
It was encouraging to see the postponement of the scheduled
meeting of the East African Community heads of state in Nairobi,
after ODM protested that it was likely to divert attention from
the mediation and give Kibaki “legitimacy through the backdoor.”
ODM on its part dropped its demand for Kibaki to resign as a
prerequisite to any political settlement.
Still, Kenyans remain alert, questioning whether the concessions
they witnessed from both sides last week were an indication that
the protagonists are finally coming to their senses, or just a
ploy to avoid the big stick of the international community.
However, Kenyans are also aware that they cannot pin all their
hopes on politicians any more, given that the stakes are high and
no side is willing to cede ground without tangible returns.
Apparently, both President Kibaki and Raila are under pressure to
justify their earlier positions, which unfortunately does not sit
well with the give-and-take approach adopted by the international
community.
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