KENYA POST ELECTION DIALOGUE
Denver-Saturday Feb. 9, 2008, 2:30-4:30 pm in the Community Room of Aurora Central Library (14949 E. Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012)
Africa Agenda will host a historical, post-election forum and community dialogue on the election disputes in Kenya, current peace efforts, and work toward reconciliation between Kenyan citizens and their government.
Long considered one of the more stable places in Africa, Kenya was plunged into violence and mayhem on December 29, 2007, after presidential elections in which both the government and the main opposition party claimed they won.
To date, both sides continue to accuse each other of election fraud and intimidation while efforts to restore peace continue. An estimated 800 people have been killed. Millions of dollars have been lost in business, tourism, and property.
Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary-General; John Kufour, President of Ghana and Jendayi Frazier, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs, among others, have made trips to Kenya to help bring peace.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader involved in this dispute was in Colorado last September where he met with Kenyan citizens and local business leaders and encouraged them to invest in Kenya.
While a shaky situation prevails in Kenya and despite economic growth and gains in peace and security, this turmoil has cast some doubts about the goal of facilitating sustainable peace and economic development throughout the continent.
This forum will gather Colorado communities together to brainstorm on ways that African-Americans, Africans, and their allies living in America can support a peaceful resolution in Kenya. Participants will learn about what community leaders in Denver are doing to support the end of the dispute in Kenya and how Africa Agenda supports this vision.
Panelists Include:
–Lucas Shamala, Professor-Metro State College of Denver
-James Ainsworth-Freelance Journalist
-Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti-Executive Director-National Institute for Indigenous Cultural Studies
-Joseph Oyugi-Founder, Friends for Leadership Development and Governance.
-George Bamu-founder/Founder-Africa Agenda
Marsha Mallory Bennett-Former Chair, Denver Nairobi Sister Cities committee.
With the Distinguished Tamara Banks as Panel Moderator.