The ongoing political turmoil in Kenya has to stop, not only to preserve the delicate democracy and economy of the country, but to curb the political instability which threatens the whole region. The rioting and chaos that began after the election to unseat the incumbent, Mwai Kibaki, could put a hold on democracy and reforms there, as well as ending what was an up and coming economic situation.
The fall of this democratic republic in this strategic situation would put heavy pressure on the relatively democratic and prosperous nations of South Africa and Botswana. The chaos and anarchy of the Horn of Africa, as well as the militant Islamism, could begin to spread southward unless actions are taken by the international community and the African Union. Some progress has been made with a slowdown in violence and hope of a compromise with the visit of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
It is imperative that new African democracies, as well as ones in other parts of the world, have stable methods of changing power, as well as fully free elections.
