By Nyagaka Nyakundi
If Southern Sudan successfully pulls away from the north,, then that eventuality would be the latest development in the world history of nationalism.In many ways, the prospect is similar to the re-establishment of Poland years after it was annexed by its greedy European counterparts in the run-up to the second world war.
Further,it would sound reprieve to millions South Sudanese,scattered in all directions of the world as a result of war occasioned by unending disputes to become what is now euphemistically referred to as 'S.Sudanese in the diaspora'.From their horrendous accounts and testimonies it is apparent that the southerners have over the years been victims of oppression and marginalization.
The northern region ,led by President El Bashir,has been widely blamed for using resources to develop Khartoum at he expense of the southern part.The voting was largely inspired by this belief.
Initial results currently indicate an overwhelming support for a break-up with over 70 per cent of those who cast their votes rooting for an independent South Sudan.Asked about their feelings about the moment and the possibility of establishing their own country,the southerners display emotional optimism.They cannot imagine staying as part of the north.
While casting his vote at Juba on first referendum day, the leader of the south briefly recounted the long journey to the cessation vote which began with the arduous negotiations in Kenya.However,it was clear that peace cannot be compromised.
As witnessed,all eyes are now on South Sudan.And there are many reasons for this.One of the possible reasons could be the region's enormous resource endowment.Besides oil and a myriad of other minerals,S.Sudan boasts fertile soils and a climate that supports Agriculture,putting her at a greater possibility of becoming the latest African economic hub.
Abyei,rich in oil deposits,lies on the border between the two regions.The north has already indicated a possible war if the south does not let go of it.However,Abyei will go to the ballot soon to decide where it belongs.This is one of the hurdles the leaders of a possible independent S.Sudan are mulling over.
For the rest of the world,S.Sudan remains a pleasant anticipation that is expected to end bloodshed.,
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Kenya AG Takes Uncharacteristic Decision
In a development that is in all ways unusual for Kenya's longest serving Attorney General,Mr Amos Wako has directed the arrest and prosecution of a high-profile politician in Kenya's coalition government.
Mr wako has never recommended a prosecution of government officials at all during his time despite cases forwarded to him for approval.
But now Wako,who completes his tenure as stipulated in Kenya's new constitution in the course of the year, has given Kenya's anti- corruption body-Kacc -the green light to charge Mr Henry Kosgey for abuse of office which allegedly happened in his tenure as industrialization minister,taking the number of cases against the minister to two.
The case involves the importation of vehicles under Kosgey's authority , which the attorney general claims did not follow the law hence corruption.
Confirming the corruption case recently,Kenya's anti- corruption body director prof. ,PLO Lumumba said Kosgey was indeed in the number government officials with pending prosecutions waiting for the attorney general's approval for hearing in court.
The minister was also mentioned in connection with the county's post-election skirmishes that left over 1000 people dead in its wake by international court prosecutor Luis Moreno -Ocampo.According to Ocampo who has already made the names public, the minister is among the key suspected perpetrators of the 2008 electoral mayhem.
However,Kosgey,who has served consistently as member of parliament since 1979, has dismissed both of the charges leveled against him saying the first has no truth, and that he did nothing wrong in the latter except exercising his official discretion.
The ICC has promised to prosecute six key suspects in two years on account of the magnitude of their responsibility in the violence,a reality that late last year sparked discontent in parliament resulting in Mps passing a bill to withdraw Kenya from the Rome Statute which makes the country party to the ICC.But even then the president has not signed the bill into law.
If prosecuted,Mr Kosgey will become the first person to be taken to court on Wako's consent in his(Wako's) lengthy period as the country's second attorney general.
Mr Wako faced backlash two years ago when he acquitted a British baron who had allegedly shot an African mason dead citing lack of sufficient evidence.
To many,this latest action is new for Wako.Is Wako out to clear his legacy?
Mr wako has never recommended a prosecution of government officials at all during his time despite cases forwarded to him for approval.
But now Wako,who completes his tenure as stipulated in Kenya's new constitution in the course of the year, has given Kenya's anti- corruption body-Kacc -the green light to charge Mr Henry Kosgey for abuse of office which allegedly happened in his tenure as industrialization minister,taking the number of cases against the minister to two.
The case involves the importation of vehicles under Kosgey's authority , which the attorney general claims did not follow the law hence corruption.
Confirming the corruption case recently,Kenya's anti- corruption body director prof. ,PLO Lumumba said Kosgey was indeed in the number government officials with pending prosecutions waiting for the attorney general's approval for hearing in court.
The minister was also mentioned in connection with the county's post-election skirmishes that left over 1000 people dead in its wake by international court prosecutor Luis Moreno -Ocampo.According to Ocampo who has already made the names public, the minister is among the key suspected perpetrators of the 2008 electoral mayhem.
However,Kosgey,who has served consistently as member of parliament since 1979, has dismissed both of the charges leveled against him saying the first has no truth, and that he did nothing wrong in the latter except exercising his official discretion.
The ICC has promised to prosecute six key suspects in two years on account of the magnitude of their responsibility in the violence,a reality that late last year sparked discontent in parliament resulting in Mps passing a bill to withdraw Kenya from the Rome Statute which makes the country party to the ICC.But even then the president has not signed the bill into law.
If prosecuted,Mr Kosgey will become the first person to be taken to court on Wako's consent in his(Wako's) lengthy period as the country's second attorney general.
Mr Wako faced backlash two years ago when he acquitted a British baron who had allegedly shot an African mason dead citing lack of sufficient evidence.
To many,this latest action is new for Wako.Is Wako out to clear his legacy?
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