Mission to Kenya

PRESS RELEASE

Disturbed by the post-election violence in Kenya, which resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of people, the Africa Forum, composed of Former African Heads of State and Government and other African leaders, took the initiative to effect a mission to the Republic of Kenya from January 07 – 12, 2008. The aim of the mission was to assess the situation and offer advice on the modalities and mechanism for the resolution of the crisis that engulfed the country soon after the announcement of the results of the Presidential Elections. On behalf of the General Assembly of the Forum, the Chairperson of the Forum former President H.E. Joaquim Chissano, requested the following former Presidents to join him as members of the mission: H.E. Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, the first President of the Republic of Zambia; H.E. Sir Ketumile Masire, Former President of the Republic of Botswana; and H.E. Mr. Benjamin William Mkapa, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The mission met with national leaders including H.E. President Mwai Kibaki, H.E. Mr. Daniel arap Moi, former President of the Republic of Kenya; Hon. Raila Odinga, Hon. Kalonzo Musioka and representatives of other political parties as well as other stakeholders, namely, the AACC and other Religious leaders, the Commonwealth Observer Mission, Domestic Observer Group, African Ambassadors accredited to Kenya, the Peace Ambassadors and Civil Society Organisations. The mission also held consultations with H.E. President John Kufuor of Ghana and Chairman of the African Union.

The mission visited areas of the country affected by violence in Eldoret and Nairobi and held discussions with affected and displaced persons, community leaders and local authorities.

On the basis of what emerged from the meetings and consultations at different levels, we former Heads of State and Government on this mission strongly urge all concerned parties to –
• Acknowledge the magnitude of the national crisis and move speedily towards constructive dialogue for durable solution to the crisis, promotion of a process of national healing and engendering national reconciliation and peace;
• Take urgent steps to stop the killings, end the violence and address their root causes;
• Put a decisive end to all forms of hate campaign and promote a culture of tolerance and national unity;
• Recognize that the post-election violence, though essentially political, has exacerbated ethnic and social polarization which in turn undermines national unity and efforts towards further consolidation of democracy in Kenya;
• Give top priority to the resumption of the constitutional reform process;
• Chart a way forward with follow-up procedures and mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of progress on what was agreed upon in the dialogue process.

It is the general impression of the mission that all national stakeholders yearn for the resolution of the crisis and restoration of peace in the shortest time possible. Encouraged by the disposition of all concerned parties to engage in constructive dialogue in the search for durable solution to the root causes of the crisis, the Africa Forum is therefore committed to:

• Support efforts on bringing all concerned political parties to the table for national dialogue in order to resolve the crisis;
• Promote full participation of civil society organizations, Faith Based Organizations and other community leaders in the national dialogue process;
• Support all initiatives and processes aimed at national healing and reconciliation at all levels.

The Africa Forum further commits itself to support efforts at all levels that are aimed at restoring normalcy and constitutional order in Kenya. The Forum is grateful that its concerns and those of other friends of Kenya about the crisis are valued and appreciated by all parties it consulted, including people in the affected areas it visited.

The mission acknowledges the excellent support and cooperation received from all parties, in particular, H.E. President Mwai Kibaki, H.E. Mr. Daniel arap Moi, former President of Kenya; Hon. Raila Odinga, Hon. Kalonzo Musioka, representatives of other political parties, Religious leaders, African Ambassadors accredited to Kenya, the Peace Ambassadors and Civil Society Organizations. The mission encourages these stakeholders to continue to support and contribute constructively to the process of dialogue, peace building and national reconciliation. The mission also wishes to acknowledge the excellent logistical and substantive support of the UNDP Country Office in Kenya.