Kofi Annan Mediates a Settlement in Kenya

allAfrica.com

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga have signed an agreement to end the country's post-election crisis. At a ceremony in Nairobi yesterday, the two men put their signatures to a power-sharing deal brokered by ex-UN head Kofi Annan. A coalition government comprising members of the current ruling party and opposition will now be formed.


Some 1,500 people died in political violence after Mr Odinga said he was robbed of victory in December's polls. International observers agreed the count was flawed. Violence has mostly receded, but tensions are still running extremely high.


Negotiations between the government and Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lasted more than a month, stalling several times. Discussions centred on the creation of the post of prime minister, likely to be taken by Mr Odinga. Both sides agreed that there should be a prime minister, but had differed on what powers the new post would have.


Speaking after the deal was signed, Mr Annan said the division of posts in the new government would reflect the two rival political parties' strengths in parliament.