Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides)- “The Holy Father's appeal for peace to return in Kenya was given ample space in the local media, in some papers it was on the front page” Fr. Eugenio Ferrari Consolata missionary and national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya told Fides. During his Angelus reflection on Sunday 3 February, Pope Benedict XVI asked those present to unite “with our brothers and sisters in Kenya to pray for reconciliation, justice and peace in their”. “Assuring all of my closeness - he added - I hope present efforts of mediation will succeed and lead, thanks to good will and collaboration on all sides, to a rapid solution to the conflict which has already caused too many victims”.
“The Holy Father's words come at a delicate moment: we have not lost hope for peace and reconciliation. Here in Nairobi, the situation has calmed down. But in other areas such as Rift Valley clashes continue” Fr. Ferrari told Fides. In west Kenya latest clashes between Kisi and Kalenjin in Nyamira district, brought the number of people killed in the last three days to 70.
“Even in places where the clashes have stopped, or where there have been no clashes, there is still tension between the different communities. In Nairobi, for example the Kikuyu refuse to rent rooms to people who are not of their tribe. Invisible walls are being built between people: no one trusts anyone. Even when an MP has a car accident, it is seen as an attack, because more incidents start. We must work to rebuild trust between individuals and communities”.
At the political on 4 February level government and opposition resumed talks to find a solution to the crisis with the mediation of former UN secretary general Kofi Annan. “Annan is doing an excellent job. His call to President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to responsibility, was determinant to convince the two statesmen to resume talks” said Fr. Ferrari.
However the negotiations are difficult: Ciryl Ramaphosa, former right arm of South African leader Nelson Mandela, announced today, 4 February, that he would take over from Kofi Annan as mediator. Ramaphosa is widely respected all over Africa because he offered a decisive contribution to ensure a peaceful change from apartheid to democracy in South Africa. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/2/2008 righe 29 parole 439)
