Take Action: Peaceful Prevention, not Military Might, in Kenya

Following its presidential election in late 2007, Kenya erupted into a crisis that left over 1,000 people dead and as many as 500,000 people displaced. As Kenya's next national elections in March of 2013 approach, the U.S. government should ensure that its policies help support – rather than undermine – Kenyan communities' efforts to prevent renewed violence and build long-term peace.

Unfortunately, the U.S. continues to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into counterterrorism and military assistance to Kenya each year – assistance that could serve to exacerbate instability and do more harm than good. Meanwhile, much less is spent on supporting local efforts toward peace and reconciliation. Write your members of Congress to encourage a focus on peaceful prevention over military might, and read Diane's recent letter to President Obama to learn more.