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 Peopleâs 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 Kenyaâs 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. Kenyaâs major banks have opened up shop in Southern Sudan.
War in Sudan would mean residual effect to our economy.
