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McKinnon speaks to Kofi Annan on Kenya situation

7 February 2008

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon spoke to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 6 February 2008.

Mr McKinnon pledged the Commonwealth’s support to his dialogue process aimed at ensuring peace in Kenya.

He made the telephone call to Mr Annan from London, and told him that he has continued to be in touch with Kenyan political leaders, urging them to come together for the sake of peace and stability in the country.

The Secretary-General told Mr Annan that he had met Kenya’s Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka on 4 February and expressed to him the importance of the country in the Commonwealth, and the association’s great concern about the loss of life and property.

Mr Annan briefed Mr McKinnon on the dialogue process and the progress that has been made.

Mr McKinnon confirmed that the Commonwealth is willing to help Kenya find a way through the crisis to peace and stability. He said that the Commonwealth could assist in providing support to strengthen democratic institutions such as the Electoral Commission and the judiciary. The Secretary-General underlined the importance that the Commonwealth attaches in particular to Parliament as the venue for political dialogue and the vehicle for achieving long-term stability.

A Commonwealth Observer Group led by former Sierra Leone President Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah was present in Kenya during the 27 December elections. When violence broke out following the announcement of the Presidential results, Dr Kabbah led early mediation efforts, meeting with key leaders in the country, and urging restraint and dialogue.