- History best remembers the Ghanaian legend over the key role he played in mediating in Kenya’s post-poll dispute.
- The results of his efforts saved Kenya from the precipice of anarchy following the disputed 2007 general election.
Today marks exactly four years since the death of former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.
Born on April 8, 1938, Annan was raised in Kumasi, Ghana. He died aged 80 on August 18, 2018.
The Nobel Peace Price winner was the seventh UN secretary general between 1997 and 2006.
He was commitment to peace, justice and equality in the world.
History best remembers the Ghanaian legend over the key role he played in mediating in Kenya’s post-poll dispute.
The results of his efforts saved Kenya from the precipice of anarchy following the disputed 2007 general election.
The talks he spearheaded led to the formation of a grand coalition government with the late Mwai Kibaki as President while ODM’s Raila Odinga was handed a newly created prime ministerial post.
This ended the violence that had rocked the country for two months leading to the loss of over 1,000 lives.
Ironically, Annan’s fourth death anniversary comes at a time Kenya is going through an almost similar political situation, this time round pitying Raila against President-elect William Ruto.
Ruto was declared winner of the August 9 general election but Raila disputed the results citing discrepancies in the tallying of votes.
He plans to petition the Supreme Court to overturn Ruto’s win.
Prior to mediating in the Kenyan case, Annan in 2006 oversaw the settlement of a dispute over the Bakassi peninsula between Cameroon and Nigeria by implementing the judgment of the International Court of Justice.
On Thursday, several leaders took to Twitter to celebrate the renowned peace maker.
“Remembering the late UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on his death anniversary today. Kofi Annan’s wisdom and leadership remain a source of inspiration to us all,” Advocate Ashish Vivek Merukar said.
“Thursday marks four years since the passing of former UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan, who has been regarded by so many as a guiding force for good. Today and every day, we remember him,” the United Nations said.
The foundation formed under his name, Kofi Annan Foundation, is focusing on building peaceful, democratic and resilient societies.
Source: The Star
