|
Senator Obama Pushes for Peace in Kenya |
|
|
|
In the midst of rallies in Iowa
and café stops in New Hampshire, Senator
Barack Obama has been on the phone, attempting to resolve the political crisis
in Kenya
that has claimed approximately 500 lives and displaced nearly 200,000. He spoke
with both the incumbent, Mwai Kibaki, and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga. Obama
also phoned the State Department to push for urgent diplomatic action.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 2, Senator Obama invited
the two parties to come together and to peacefully address their differences. He
also appealed to the citizens of Kenya , saying, “The way forward is
not through violence -- it is through democracy, and the rule of law. To all of
Kenya's people, I ask you to
renew Kenya's
democratic tradition, and to seek your dreams in peace.” The statement was translated into Swahili and
aired on Voice of America’s East Africa
program.
The United States
government sees Kenya as a
hub for US access to the
region and as a democratic example to unstable governments in Africa.
It is on the ‘front lines’ of the war against terrorism and has been a US ally for
many years. While the events of late have strained the world’s confidence in
African democracy, AFJN urges the leaders of both parties to find a mutually
agreeable solution to political and ethnic divisions. Secretary of State for
African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, visited Kenya
and firmly stated that the election violence “hasn’t shaken our confidence in Kenya” as a
regional player.
Obama, born of a Kenyan father, is one of few junior
Senators strongly involved in African affairs. AFJN encourages more members of
Congress to push for an equitable resolution to the conflict in Kenya.
|
|
|
| 
