Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

From 22 – 23 January 2008 an NIMD Mission of Executive Director Roel von Meijenfeldt and Jasper Veen, Regional Director of the NIMD Africa programme, travelled to Kenya for discussions with the political leadership of the main political parties in Nairobi. They also discussed the political situation with NIMD’s local partner, the Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya), the Dutch embassy, the Chairperson of the Kenyan Electoral Commission (ECK) and a number of Kenyan political analysts.

Willingness

The NIMD delegation met with the leadership of the PNU (Mr. Kibaki’s coalition), the ODM (Mr. Odinga’s coalition) and ODM-K (led by Mr. Kalonzo) and several smaller political parties. In all meetings, NIMD found a willingness to talk about how to move beyond the current crisis. Already, the Steering Committee of CMD-K has instituted a working group that brings together politicians from the opposing camps to work out an agenda for a political resolution of the conflict.

Civil society initiatives

In the heat of the battle following the elections, CMD-K has helped to create a coalition with civil society organizations concerned with the defense of democracy and human rights and a network of women organizations. Both platforms have presented themselves as voice of Kenyans working towards a resolution of the conflict and the restoration of peace in the country. Meanwhile, they have become one of the partners that is consulted by a team of eminent African statesmen led by Kofi Annan. They have also approached all the political stakeholders involved in the crisis directly to advocate the agenda for national unity and deepening of democracy.

More information

Radio interview with Roel von Meijenfeldt (28 January 2008, BNR, in Dutch)
Unrest intensifies in Kenya - interview with Ms. Njeri Kabeberi, Executive Director CMD-Kenya (29 January 2008, Radio Netherlands, in English)
NIMD encourages Kenyan reconciliation initiatives (10 January 2008, webarticle NIMD)