Following violence and hostilities after the recently held presidential polls in the once stable state of Kenya, H.E. President Kufuor, who also doubles as the AU Chairman embarked on a diplomatic journey to the country to try to sort of find an amicable solution to the impasse.

Many critics in the country chastised him for the move, accusing him of neglecting the disturbances in Bawku, his home country, for that of another. Probably they might have forgotten about joy that greeted the country after his successful elevation to that position. Some even said the visit will be a fiasco, and that the President was too fond of traveling.

Be it as it may, the President is back into the country. The results of the mission, though not too astounding, are quite commendable, gratifying and worthy of note.

Prior to his visit, the post election violence had claimed about 600 lives, and over 250,000 people were feared displaced. The factions were not prepared for any forms of talks, and were not in the mood to meet face to face.

Indeed, after the President's visit and at a meeting with both Kibaki and Odinga, both parties have pledged to:

§ dialogue under the auspices of the AU

§ immediate cessation of hostilities

§ Do away with any act likely to jeorpadise peaceful negotiations of the crisis

§ Resolved to work with a committee of eminent African Personalities to be headed by the immediate past UN Chief, Busumuru Kofi Annan to deal with sticky issues including constitutional and electoral reforms.

Perhaps, most importantly, the AU Chairman, President Kufuor of Ghana has been able to get the two protagonists to meet at the Parliament House for face to face discussions. This after earlier attempts had failed, until President Kufuor’s arrival. This is a remarkable indication of a softening of the stance of both sides.

Another remarkable observation is that at least Africans are ready to find solutions to heir own problems, devoid of interference from without.

It will be very unfortunate if inspite of this immense success, some detractors of the President and his government should try to make nonsense of the whole efforts and downplay it simply for petty partisan considerations. Let us learn to give praise where it is due.

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