Pohamba hopes for peace in Kenya

THE political leaders in Kenya should resolve the current political and humanitarian crisis that erupted in the aftermath of national and presidential elections last December, President Hifikepunye Pohamba urged on Friday.

Speaking to diplomats, representatives of international organisations and Cabinet ministers during the New Year’s reception at State House, President Pohamba said the Namibian Government was concerned about the conflict in Kenya, during which over 1 000 people died and nearly 300 000 people became internally displaced. “Namibia fully supports the mediation efforts led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in Kenya on behalf of the African Union,” the Head of State said, “We hope that these efforts bring lasting peace and security to Kenya.We call on the political leaders (in Kenya) to resolve the prevailing situation by peaceful means to restore peace and tranquillity.”Pohamba also said he hoped the conflict in Chad would subside soon and that “all efforts should be made to return the situation in Chad to normality and avoid human suffering.”Touching on the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, Pohamba said: “No effort should be spared to ensure that a joint peacekeeping force of the African Union and the United Nations is deployed as soon as possible.”Namibia remained concerned about a lack of progress towards self-determination and independence for Palestine and Western Sahara, Pohamba added.He again called on the UN to reform and democratise that organisation, particularly the UN Security Council.The African Union (AU), of which Namibia is a member, has over the past few years demanded that at least two African countries should get a permanent seat on the Security Council, which is dominated by Western countries.”Namibia fully supports the mediation efforts led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in Kenya on behalf of the African Union,” the Head of State said, “We hope that these efforts bring lasting peace and security to Kenya.We call on the political leaders (in Kenya) to resolve the prevailing situation by peaceful means to restore peace and tranquillity.”Pohamba also said he hoped the conflict in Chad would subside soon and that “all efforts should be made to return the situation in Chad to normality and avoid human suffering.”Touching on the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, Pohamba said: “No effort should be spared to ensure that a joint peacekeeping force of the African Union and the United Nations is deployed as soon as possible.”Namibia remained concerned about a lack of progress towards self-determination and independence for Palestine and Western Sahara, Pohamba added.He again called on the UN to reform and democratise that organisation, particularly the UN Security Council.The African Union (AU), of which Namibia is a member, has over the past few years demanded that at least two African countries should get a permanent seat on the Security Council, which is dominated by Western countries.