Kenya ought to take lead role to underwrite Sudan peace

By Richard Miriti Kenya has played part in many peace initiatives across the globe. Two major successes that Kenyan had finger prints on are the Somalia and Sudan deals that led the formation of Southern Sudan and TFG. Kenya the big player in regional economy and politics should spearhead dialogue between Sudan and Southern Sudan. Sudan had a protracted war which lasted for more three decades; it is believed the war claimed more than two million lives. In 1983, Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement took arms against the injustice dominated by the majority Arab Khartoum government. In 1994 under the auspices of Igad and blessings of president Moi of Kenya, the long process of peace negotiation bore fruit when in January 9, 2005, Khartoum government and SPLM signed a peace agreement which ushered the birth of the current new nation, the Republic of Southern Sudan.The prominent people who helped broker the deal in Sudan peace process was the former president Moi, who started the process of peace negotiations, President Kibaki who ensured the peace process came to a amicable conclusion and the United States Government that followed through and supported Kenyans initiative to the letter.Elijah Sumbeiywo, is a general with a history of peace making, he abandoned his military duties to facilitate a peace process. Vice-President Musyoka played a great role having served as Kenya’s secretary of State/ Minister for foreign affairs.This is the moment that Kenya should take as senior member of African State to call Khartoum government and southern Sudan to the negotiating table.Kenya should not shy off from involving the former President Moi, General Sumbeiywo and Musyoka from starting a process that see the end of permanent and realistic deal that consider the issues bringing the differences.credible arbitrator The world cannot afford to see another war in Africa. Kenya has always borne the burden of conflict across Africa. With more than half a million refugees from Somalia and military action against Al Shabaab, Kenya cannot afford another influx of refugees from Sudan if the war starts. Thousands of Kenyan citizens are source of vibrant economy emanating from Juba. Kenya’s major banks have opened up shop in Southern Sudan.War in Sudan would mean residual effect to our economy.Issues that were highlighted as the causes of war are the same that are fuelling the current tensions between Khartoum and Juba. Borderlines should be marked and allocated ownership. Until a deal is reached the contested areas should host UN-backed forces from Igad States.Kenya remains the only credible arbitrator between the North and Southern Sudan.It is up to Southern Sudan to request United Nations to co-opt Kenyan diplomats to spearhead the talks. Kenyan foreign policy has always favoured negotiated deal for the Sudanese people. Sudan should cease all kind of hostilities towards the South. Khartoum should not use unorthodox means to deny Southern Sudan a fair share of the oil revenues. Why is Khartoum breaching the economic prospects of the South by backtracking from the deal that was reached in January 9, 2005?Why is Sudan bombarding the oil fields, the lifeline of the southerners? The world cannot afford to see another war, not this time, not ever. President Bashir should not beat war drums to distract his citizens from his failed policies and autocratic rule. The world knows very well that an Arab Spring is knocking on Khartoum’s iron gates. ethnic cleansingSince the peace was realised Southern Sudan has never directly provoked Northern Sudan.However, by sending troops to disputed territory was a wake up call to the world that the southerners have been violated big time. Issues of southerners living and working in the North should be formalised through pen and ink, use of Sudanese ports and pipeline for export of oil needs to be formalised.Crises in Abyei and Southern Kordofan should be permanently addressed, world would not like to see another ethnic cleansing. This is not the time for empty rhetoric and waste of precious time, its time Khartoum let go and come to terms with the fact that Southern Sudan is no longer a revolting movement but a sovereign State. &#12288;Writer is author of the book ‘Threat of Terrorism in East and Central Africa’.richie@richieworld.com

Kenya ought to take lead role to underwrite Sudan peace

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