Raila: Send AU forces to Zimbabwe

By Abiya Ochola

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has proposed a peacekeeping force be sent to Zimbabwe to forestall an impending genocide.

The PM also called for the suspension of Friday’s re-run of Presidential election in the southern African country.

“Kenya’s stand is not in doubt. We are with the people of Zimbabwe. We support the suspension of the re-run poll until conditions for a free and fair election prevail,” said Raila.

He said Kenya would be championing this position in the East African Heads of States meeting in Kigali and the AU meeting in Sham-El-Sheikh.

The PM predicted the fall of President Mugabe and likened his regime to the apartheid regime in South Africa, which was brought down by pressure from African states.

“Compared to the apartheid regime, Mugabe is just a mere irritant,” he said.

He asked the AU to establish a peacekeeping force and dispatch it to Zimbabwe before the unfolding crisis worsens.

“Many people have died and there is unabated state-sponsored torture. The situation is very grave and Zimbabwe is a disaster in waiting,” said Raila.

He also called for the appointment of a mediator to Zimbabwe and suggested former Presidents Ketumile Masire of Botswana or Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.

Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula said Kenya would send an intervention force into Zimbabwe if the African Union passes the resolution. “Kenya being a member of the AU will be willing to participate in any interventions but we are calling for dialogue as the first step,” he said.

Raila and Wetangula were speaking at a public forum on Zimbabwe organised by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.

The topic was ‘The Tragic Developments in Zimbabwe’.

Wetangula said the crisis in Zimbabwe was unacceptable.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth has expressed concerns over the unfolding political events in Zimbabwe.

“As a former member country, Zimbabwe and its people remain in the Commonwealth’s thoughts. The situation in the country has a direct impact on neighbouring Commonwealth members,” said secretary-general Kamalesh Sharma in a statement.

“We remain committed to regional efforts to address the situation in Zimbabwe,” he said.
 
Courtesy of:http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143989136&cid=4