Hopes for the New Ambassador
By Cassidy Regan on 05/04/2011 @ 11:00 AM
On April 14th, General Jonathan Scott Gration was confirmed as the new United States Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya. While he remains a controversial figure following his service as Special Envoy to Sudan, FCNL’s PPDC Program was thrilled to hear him highlight a peaceful 2012 election as one of his highest priorities during a nomination hearing early last month.
In working towards sustainable peace in Kenya, General Gration emphasized the importance of timely constitutional implementation, full compliance with the International Criminal Court, and increased accountability. Moreover, he stressed the need for positive engagement outside of Nairobi and for widespread civic education, with particular emphasis on Kenyan youth.
Through collaboration with colleagues working at a grassroots level in Kenya as well as with those working here in Washington, FCNL seeks to encourage a United States policy both conducive to and supportive of an election free of violence. In addition to promoting those essential steps outlined by General Gration above, the Friends Committee provided further recommendations for effective conflict prevention in a letter to the new ambassador last Thursday.
Calls for action advised General Gration to:
1.) Support grassroots peacebuilding, civic education, and early warning efforts, particularly in areas most affected by the 2007 election crisis
2.) Develop civilian capacity to respond to conflict in Kenya, including the use of previously established tools such as the Civilian Response Corps and the Complex Crises Fund
3.) Press for accountability at a local as well as national level
4.) Continue to consider and to address the role of third party enablers to violence
5.) Encourage development assistance focused on the root causes of conflict
6.) Establish a coherent United States strategy for conflict prevention and foster coordination within the international community
Following a peaceful constitutional referendum in August of 2010, hopes for an equally peaceful election in August of 2012 are high. But with a lack of progress on constitutional reform and widespread corruption considered, the potential for renewed violence remains strong. Further conditions within the country – including rising food and fuel prices, sustained high rates of youth unemployment, and tension over land reform – add to the maelstrom of possible catalysts.
Still, there are many in Kenya working tirelessly towards reconciliation, and a number of the efforts made by the United States thus far reveal commitment to preemptive investment in peacebuilding. As the 2012 elections approach, both General Gration and the Kenyan government must prioritize peaceful prevention and reconciliation – particularly in addressing those factors that may incite further violence. The new ambassador-to-be stated that he would waste no time in doing so if confirmed, and the Friends Committee looks forward to supporting those efforts as our work on Kenya continues.
Comments
Leave a Comment