Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – Border conflicts; insecurity from crime; food insecurity; damage to the environment; the situations of the internal refugees; justice for political violence from 2007-2008; the adoption of recommendations proposed by the various commissions that have investigated the violence; impunity and corruption; Constitutional reform...These are the problems that have made members of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Dioceses in Kenya “highly concerned.”
The alarm was launched in the final declaration published after the annual encounter of the Justice and Peace Commissions of the Kenyan Dioceses, held September 6-10. In the document, a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides, notes with the concern: “a major increase in border conflicts in Kenya especially our borders with Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda. This is worrying because a state that cannot protect its citizens and their sovereignty is a failing state. Such a state does not inspire confidence of its citizens.”
Another problem is the heavy violent crime and political use of violence, especially following the presidential elections held in late December 2006, which led to great chaos in the first months of 2008. “Organized violence has destroyed the African identity. This is occurring through incitement, exploitation by the political elite,” the document affirms.
As for what concerns food security, the document asks Kenyan farmers to adopt the proper methods and asks the government to help the farmers economically. They also ask to begin the constitution of hydration systems, especially to make water reach the arid zones. The farming problem is also linked to that of the environment. The representatives of the Justice and Peace Commission highlighted how “Aberdares Forests has adversely affected our country. Rivers, lakes, dams and other water sources are running dry, food is scarce, there is high power rationing, desertification is on the rise and irrigations schemes are in peril.” The government is being asked to begin the reforestation of the destroyed forests and to transfer (offering an adequate system) to those populations that inhabit them.
In the document, the government is also asked to find a solution for the hundreds of thousands of people still living in refugee camps, after fleeing their homes because of violence in early 2008.
“As the Church we are called upon to be the voice of the voiceless, and to be in solidarity with the oppressed. The Church‘s Social Doctrine becomes judge and defender of unrecognised and violated rights, especially those of the poor, the least and the weak,” the document concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 16/9/2009)
