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Former UN Boss Tackling Kenya Crisis

Kofi Annan flying in to mediate as election violence continues

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2008 2:57 AM CST
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(Newser) – Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan will fly to Kenya today to try to mediate the nation's political crisis and stop the violence. He faces a difficult task. Members of President Mwai Kibaki's cabinet are hostile to mediation, and opposition leader Raila Odinga is in no mood to back down. "I'm the rightful elected president. Kibaki stole his way into power," he told Reuters.

Violence triggered by last month's disputed presidential election has killed at least 650 people and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. The rival sides have been resisting pressure to hold talks, but diplomats hope Annan can broker a deal for power-sharing or a new vote. Several Kenyans died in clashes overnight and there are fears that an opposition demonstration planned for Thursday could lead to yet more bloodshed.

People run away after police fired tear gas during ethnic fighting in the Mathare slum, Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. Renewed ethnic fighting broke out in Nairobi's Mathare slum Sunday, where several homes were set ablaze during several hours of running battles between Kikuyu and Luo ethnic groups.(AP...
People run away after police fired tear gas during ethnic fighting in the Mathare slum, Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. Renewed ethnic fighting broke out in Nairobi's Mathare slum Sunday, where...   (Associated Press)
Kofi Annan, speaks at press conference in this December, 2007 file photo. Annan is due to fly to Kenya January 22 where he will have the difficult task of trying to broker a compromise between Kenya's rival parties. (AP Photo/Keystone, Martial Trezzini)
Kofi Annan, speaks at press conference in this December, 2007 file photo. Annan is due to fly to Kenya January 22 where he will have the difficult task of trying to broker a compromise between Kenya's...   (Associated Press)
Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan is due to fly into Nairobi January 22nd to help try and mediate an end to the country's violent post-election crisis.
Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan is due to fly into Nairobi January 22nd to help try and mediate an end to the country's violent post-election crisis.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
A Kikuyu woman moves furniture under police guard as opposition supporters, one of them holding up a poster of opposition leader Raila Odinga, shout out threats, during ethnic fighting in the Mathare slum, Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. Renewed ethnic fighting broke out in Nairobi's Mathare slum Sunday, where...
A Kikuyu woman moves furniture under police guard as opposition supporters, one of them holding up a poster of opposition leader Raila Odinga, shout out threats, during ethnic fighting in the Mathare...   (Associated Press)
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Kenya • United Nations • Kofi Annan • Mwai Kibaki • Raila Odinga • Kenyan elections

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