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WORLD BRIDGE BLOG
Kenya: Peace Process Needed Now to End Ongoing Violence
October 24, 2008 | Camilla Olson | Tagged as: Kenya
Graphic images and video footage from the ongoing violence in Kenya have given those of us not living close to the conflict a real glimpse into what the situation is like on the ground. This recent video clip shows the desperate situation that many displaced Kenyans now find themselves in. Having once lived in ethnically diverse communities in the western Rift Valley region, they now worry that they will never be able to return home, for fear of retaliation from their former neighbors.
The worsening security situation is having a major impact on access to the displaced populations inside Kenya. Many humanitarian organizations cannot reach those most in need because of the ongoing violence. The conflict in Kenya also has wider regional humanitarian implications. Nairobi has long been the headquarters for many aid agencies that operate in less stable countries in the region like Sudan and Somalia. If the situation in Kenya becomes too volatile for these agencies to carry out their work, then it will have a serious impact on the vulnerable populations in neighboring countries who depend on international humanitarian assistance. It also has the potential to impact the work of Refugees International, since Nairobi is often a jumping off point for many of our missions conducted in the region. We recently had two colleagues pass through Nairobi on their way to Juba, where they are currently assessing the situation for returnees in South Sudan.
A serious peace and reconciliation process is needed in Kenya now. The involvement of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in the negotiation process is a positive step forward, but it will take much longer to create a climate where Kenyans who have been forced to flee will feel safe and secure enough to return home again.
--Camilla Olson
The worsening security situation is having a major impact on access to the displaced populations inside Kenya. Many humanitarian organizations cannot reach those most in need because of the ongoing violence. The conflict in Kenya also has wider regional humanitarian implications. Nairobi has long been the headquarters for many aid agencies that operate in less stable countries in the region like Sudan and Somalia. If the situation in Kenya becomes too volatile for these agencies to carry out their work, then it will have a serious impact on the vulnerable populations in neighboring countries who depend on international humanitarian assistance. It also has the potential to impact the work of Refugees International, since Nairobi is often a jumping off point for many of our missions conducted in the region. We recently had two colleagues pass through Nairobi on their way to Juba, where they are currently assessing the situation for returnees in South Sudan.
A serious peace and reconciliation process is needed in Kenya now. The involvement of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in the negotiation process is a positive step forward, but it will take much longer to create a climate where Kenyans who have been forced to flee will feel safe and secure enough to return home again.
--Camilla Olson
Labels: Kenya
