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Annan calls for restraint
12/01/2008 08:55 - (SA)
Nairobi - Former United Nations chief Kofi Annan on Friday appealed for restraint from the leading players in the post-election crisis in Kenya, in a bid to prevent another flare-up of violence.
Annan appealed to "all Kenyan leaders, government as well as the opposition in the country to avoid any measures or steps that would further compromise, the search for an amicable solution to the country's crisis".
The appeal came in a statement issued from Ghana.
Annan agreed to work with both President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to try to resolve the crisis, sparked by the controversial re-election of Kibaki to the presidency.
Annan will lead a panel of African elderly statesment to try to make peace between the two sides.
They "do not intend to impose solutions but rather work with the Kenyans to find a solution that is viable and long-lasting", said the statement. At least 600 dead
Odinga accused Kibaki of rigging the December 27 presidential elections, and the news of Kibaki's election victory sparked nationwide rioting that rapidly devolved into tribal vendettas.
The violence left at least 600 people and nearly 260 000 people from their homes.
Odinga and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) called for fresh protests after a mediation effort led by African Union chief and Ghana President John Kufuor failed Thursday.
The police have said that an earlier ban on protests is still in force, sparking fears of fresh clashes at the first protest next Wednesday.
On Friday, Kibaki reiterated his call for dialogue to end a post-election crisis, hours after the announcement of fresh opposition protests.
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