AFRICAN
NEWS
KENYA FACES POLITICAL 'MELTDOWN
Eu Renews Sanctions On Zimbabwe
KENYA
FACES POLITICAL 'MELTDOWN’
Ongoing political wrangling in Kenya's coalition government is having
a major detrimental effect on its fight against corruption, a lobbying group
warns. Transparency International warned Kenya risked turning into a failed
state. A rift in the fragile power-sharing government developed after PM Raila
Odinga announced the suspension of two ministers after corruption scandals.
President Mwai Kibaki annulled the suspensions, saying the Mr Odinga did not
have the power to take the action. The head of Transparency International in
Kenya, Job Ogonda, said the political dispute in Kenya's coalition government
was sending out a very dangerous message.
It was showing that the struggle for power was more important than the fight
against corruption and this, he said, would have dire consequences come the
next election.
"In 2012 it's very likely we're going to have a meltdown," said Mr
Ogonda.
"We have the significant risk that Kenya will be generating to a failed
state.
"This is how in Sierra Leone and indeed Liberia were fomented: the executive
being eliminated and oblivious for the failed state risks that corruption causes
especially where the population is young, educated and unemployed".
Mr Ogonda said his staff had been threatened on several occasions.
Eu
Renews Sanctions On Zimbabwe
The European Union has renewed its sanctions against Zimbabwe for another 12
months, saying the unity government had not made enough progress.
Former foes President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai united
in a coalition a year ago, but have not agreed on several key reforms.
The EU sanctions target 200 people and 40 firms, linked to Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF
party, over rights abuse allegations.
Some of Mr Mugabe's allies have dismissed the EU's decision.
"We are not worried by their extension," Zanu-PF spokesman Rugare
Gumbo told the AFP news agency.
"It's a continuation of the struggle, just like the liberation struggle."
Meanwhile, the country's tourism chief, Karikoga Kaseke, lamented that the extension
raised more questions among foreign investors and tourists.
"[EU ministers] say the political situation on the ground has not improved
significantly. We say that the political situation has never been bad,"
he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.
"Because of that, we're saying the sanctions should not be extended."
Continuing intimidation
Last month, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai had urged the easing of targeted
sanctions, telling the BBC there ought to be a reward for Zimbabwe's progress
so far.
But since then there has been deadlock in talks between his Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) party and Zanu-PF aimed at resolving key areas of the power-sharing
deal.
In particular, the MDC wants the attorney general and central bank governor
to be replaced and has asked regional mediator South Africa to intervene.
The unity government has halted the collapse of Zimbabwe's economy by allowing
the use of foreign currency.
But some MDC activists say they are still being intimidated by Mr Mugabe's hard-line
supporters.