Statement by the AU Panel of Eminent African Personalities to mark the Fourth Anniversary of the National Accord

The 28th of February 2012 marks four years since the signing of the National Accord which ushered in the Coalition Government and brought an end to the violence that ravaged the country following the 2007 elections.

The agreement was the key to the unity of Kenya.  It laid the foundation for peace and national reconciliation, and served as a springboard to bring stability and opportunity to the people of Kenya who so richly deserve it.

It was also the first step taken towards an ambitious process of reform to ensure that the underlying causes of division, instability and cycles of violence would be addressed once and for all.

On this anniversary, I wish to commend President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for their leadership and stewardship of the reform process.  The promulgation and ongoing implementation of the 2010 Constitution will be important milestones in their legacy.  I recognize also the heavy responsibility entrusted to the tenth Parliament to fully implement the reform agenda, constantly bearing in mind the letter, spirit and intent of the Constitution.

As essential as political leadership has been, I wish to pay tribute to the efforts of the Kenyan people in building a peaceful, cohesive and stable country. As the last four years has shown, the task of national reconciliation and reconstruction is not for leaders alone.  It requires the commitment and contributions of women, youth, religious leaders, the business community and civil society across the country.

As the country moves towards the next General Elections and the implementation of devolved government, I encourage all Kenyans to remain steadfast in their desire to make the final goal of the National Dialogue and Reconciliation a reality: “to achieve peace, stability and justice through the rule of law and respect for human rights”.
Kofi Annan