Kenyan rivals reach agreement

Mark Moon / 2.29.2008 / 10:55 AM / Ethnic Conflict

The government in Kenya reached an agreement with opponents resulting in a new form of government and a power sharing agreement dictating each have power in the new regime. Odinga, the opposition to the victor of the December election, had been calling for the position of 'prime minister' that had real power and control, not just a figurehead position. Kibaki and Odinga reached their agreement with mediation provided by Koffi Annan. Since the election, over 600,000 Kenyans have been displaced due to ethnic violence, and another 1,000 killed. While hardliners on each side are likely to be unhappy, the compromise was the only way to move the country forward. The United States and other international powers have pledged to keep Kenya on the right track in its seemingly turbulent future.

It's great Kenya finally reached an agreement. After two months of negotiations, and countless destruction, Annan and other international allies were able to bring the two men together and settle the conflict. They are taking the right steps by re-writing the constitution of Kenya, legally creating the prime minister position and government structure. This way, any attempt at resistance will be much more difficult due to the legal process.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/02/28/kenya.talks/index.html