wfn.org | AACC Peace in Somali Sudan imminent says Kenyan Minister

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Mitch Odero - AACC Information Desk
E-mail:  infodesk@aacc-ceta.org
Tel: 254-020-882021/22 (up to February 4th)
Fax: 254-020-4443241/4445835

February 2nd 2004
PRESS RELEASE

Peace in Somali, Sudan imminent says Kenyan Minister
By Mitch Odero

It is by an act of God that peace in Somalia and Sudan is imminent, Kenya's 
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka affirmed on Sunday evening 
(February 1, 2004)

Addressing worshippers at a welcome worship for the members of the General 
Committee of All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC); the Minister 
expressed his confidence that the final peace for the two countries would 
be reached within a month.

The worship had been organised by the Kenyan churches and accordingly 
attended by the local church leaders and members of the diplomatic 
community.  The General Committee is a policy making organ of AACC whose 
members hail from across the continent.

Peace talks for the two countries are taking place in Kenya at separate 
locations.  The Minister noted that there were only few hurdles to be
overcome.

Mr. Musyoka went on to pay a glowing tribute to AACC for its contribution 
to conflict resolutions in Africa.  The only peace that Sudan has 
experienced was one brokered by AACC in conjunction with World Council of 
churches that came to be known as Addis Ababa peace pact of 1972.  It 
lasted for 10 years.

Noting that AACC enjoyed an observer status with the former Organisation of 
African Unity (OAU), he said this relations should be continued with 
African Union as AACC provides an alternative continental voice.

He recalled that AACC had been known to be vocal in the past on continental 
issues and problems adding, "you should reclaim that image and position of 
AACC."

In his sermon, the AACC President Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-Nku stated that AACC 
will "engage the forces of evil" adding that the organization will be 
"immersed in the political struggle of our nations and articulate the needs 
of the poor and the oppressed who have been pushed to the extreme fringes 
of our communities."

He observed that Africa lived in a world characterized by brokenness as a 
result of injustice.  He explained; "about 1.5 billion people live in 
absolute poverty most of them in Africa yet it would take just about five 
percent of the wealth of the richest 225 people in the world to provide 
food, shelter, basic healthcare and education to all those who lack access 
to these basic needs."

Moving a vote of thanks, the AACC General Secretary Rev. Dr. H. Mvume 
Dandala gave the assurance that churches contribution to peace in Sudan and 
elsewhere will not reduce.

He went on to stress that churches will also continue to denounce processes 
and systems at national, continental and international levels that 
perpetuate the poverty of Africa.

Rev. Dandala stressed "as churches, we will continue to lend our hand for 
good governance to be achieved in all corners of our continent".

He stated "we will fight corruption, help monitor elections, energise civil 
societies for vigilance and engagement for a healthy society, stand firm 
against the abuse of women and children as well as against the pillaging of 
Africa's resources which has even taken the form of brain drain currently."

For further information contact:

Mitch Odero - AACC Information Desk
E-mail:  infodesk@aacc-ceta.org
Tel: 254-020-882021/22 (up to February 4th)
Fax: 254-020-4443241/4445835