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Riots Flare as Kenya Talks Stall

Government and opposition deal falters

By Eleanor Villforth,  Newser User

Posted Apr 9, 2008 6:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – Riots erupted again in Kenya yesterday as opposition leaders suspended talks with the government over a stalled power-sharing pact, reports the New York Times. Dozens of men in a Nairobi slum lit bonfires and hurled rocks at police, chanting, "No cabinet, no peace!" The violence marked the first major riot since February, when Kenya's president and his main rival agreed to form a government together.

Weeks of ethnic violence killed more than 1,000 people after last December’s disputed presidential election, in which President Mwai Kibaki declared himself the winner. As part of an agreement to restore peace to Kenya the two main parties were to share cabinet posts equally—but Kibaki has been unwilling to cede any of the major positions.

Kenyan police remove burning barricades yesterday during clashes between police and opposition party supporters in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.
Kenyan police remove burning barricades yesterday during clashes between police and opposition party supporters in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.   (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi)
An opposition supporter prepares to throw a rock at police yesterday during clashes in Nairobi.
An opposition supporter prepares to throw a rock at police yesterday during clashes in Nairobi.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
An opposition supporter holds a knife as he screams at police yesterday during clashes between security forced and opposition party supporters in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.
An opposition supporter holds a knife as he screams at police yesterday during clashes between security forced and opposition party supporters in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
Supporters of the opposition party taunt police in this January photo. Riots resumed in Kenya yesterday after the government and opposition leaders failed to share out cabinet posts.
Supporters of the opposition party taunt police in this January photo. Riots resumed in Kenya yesterday after the government and opposition leaders failed to share out cabinet posts.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
Kenya's opposition party suspended talks with the government yesterday and hundreds of angry young opposition backers set fires to protest delays in reaching a power-sharing deal. .
Kenya's opposition party suspended talks with the government yesterday and hundreds of angry young opposition backers set fires to protest delays in reaching a power-sharing deal. .   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki and opposition chief Raila Odinga sign a power-sharing agreement in February.
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki and opposition chief Raila Odinga sign a power-sharing agreement in February.   (Getty Images (by Event))
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