Kibaki welcomes birth of nation

By Mutinda Mwanzia

President Kibaki has termed today’s inauguration of the Republic of South Sudan as a truly momentous occasion not only for the country, but also for the entire Horn of Africa sub-region.

He conveyed hearty congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan on the auspicious occasion of the declaration of their independence.

“I would also like to similarly congratulate the Government of the Sudan for remaining committed to the peace process for the benefit of the entire Sudan, and Sudanese people,” said Kibaki.

He said Kenya is proud to have served as an honest broker of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and salutes all those behind its successful implementation.

“Today’s historic occasion marks six years since the signing of the Sudan’s CPA in Nairobi, and seven months after the successful conclusion of the South Sudan referendum that led to the separation of the latter from the North,” said Kibaki.

He added the declaration of independence of South Sudan was an important and significant step in the search for durable peace and stability for the people of the Sudan as a whole.

“The independence of South Sudan is unique and in a way, exemplary. It is the culmination of a peaceful, albeit protracted process of direct negotiations between the North and the South, mediated by Kenya on behalf of Igad. It was indeed a process wholly owned by the people of the Sudan and the region,” said Kibaki.

He said the independence comes as a result of the free expression of the will of the people of Southern Sudan through a referendum as provided in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. “Of equal significance is the acceptance and respect by the North for the path of separation chosen by the South,” said Kibaki, in a statement faxed to newsrooms Friday.