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Former Kenyan Foreign Minister Kalonzo Musyoka, who mediated the Sudanese and Somali crises for nearly 10 years, has established a foundation to foster conflict resolution and democratic ideals in Africa.

"I have decided to form this (Kalonzo Musyoka) Foundation because of the deep feelings I had serving as Foreign Minister.

The painful reality of conflicts in Africa made me want to work for peace. The need to fight poverty and famine is not new to me," he said at the launch of the foundation in Nairobi Friday night.

Musyoka, who was transferred from the Foreign Ministry to the less glamorous Environment and Natural Resources portfolio before being tossed out of President Mwai Kibaki`s government late last year, said he would promote conflict mediation in the Horn of Africa region.

Former Kenyan President Daniel arap, who mediated several crises in the Great Lakes region during his 24-year rule, has the Moi Africa Foundation, with similar ideals.

Musyoka was excluded from Kibaki`s new cabinet after spearheading campaigns for the rejection of government proposed constitution amendments last November.

As Foreign Minister, he led the Sudan Peace process to its conclusion and oversaw the election and swearing-in of the transitional administration before he was transferred to the Environment ministry.

He said the Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, would be funded by contributions from individuals and a board of directors, including Kenyans in the Diaspora.

"The Foundation has both long-term and short-term objectives. We expect to make an indelible mark in building a society which is harmonious and wholesome," Musyoka said.

He said the Foundation would contribute to conflict resolution in the Horn of Africa region and beyond, and support governance ideals whenever its services may be required.

Meanwhile, speaking at the launch of the Foundation, the Somali peace process chief mediator, Kenya`s Bethwel Kiplagat, expressed his pleasure at the latest efforts by Yemeni leader Ali Abdalla Salah to nudge Somali protagonists towards peace.

Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf and Speaker of Parliament Sheik Aden Mohammed, have agreed to convene the first parliamentary session inside Somalia, after a bitter disagreement over the seat of the administration formed in Nairobi last year.

"I was pleased to hear that the two leaders have agreed to work together," Kiplagat added.


Source: Angola Press