Responding to the Kenyan Crisis

Correction Appended

Previously a model nation for the rest of Africa both politically and economically, Kenya has in recent weeks devolved into bloody, ethnically-fueled chaos, leaving an estimated 500 people dead, and hundreds of thousands displaced. As the crisis has deepened, some—including Raila Odinga, the opposition presidential candidate who was ruled the looser in the recent election—have called for foreign intervention to stabilize the country and correct the power-grab that seems to have occurred. At present, however, such a move by the United States would be counterproductive and should not be attempted.

The chaos in Kenya broke out after the elections of December 23rd. [see correction below] According to election officials, incumbent president Mwai Kibaki narrowly beat Odinga in an election that Odinga and many foreign nations claim was rigged. Building resentment towards the Kikuyu, the ethnic group that has dominated Kenyan politics since independence and to which Kibaki belongs, erupted as angry citizens killed more than 300 people before New Years day. Now more than a quarter million Kenyans have been internally displaced.

Although Odinga has demanded that the international community apply sanctions to force Kibaki out of power (or at least to countenance another election), unilateral U.S. involvement in the situation should be limited to basic humanitarian aid. The African Union and Kenya’s neighbors are far better positioned to understand the intricacies of the situation and mediate an acceptable political compromise. Already these countries have shown their willingness to do so; several African presidents including Ghanaian President and African Union chairman John Kufuor have gone to Kenya to attempt to make peace or at least ameliorate the situation. This week, Ghanaian former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will arrive in Nairobi to renew that push.

Given the situation, the United States could add little in the way of gravitas or credibility. We must resist any temptation intervene unless either a unified request for intervention is made by all parties involved or unless the situation deteriorates considerably.

Nevertheless, the humanitarian situation in Kenyan slums and the countryside cannot be ignored. The prices of basic food staples have skyrocketed, and the economy has ground to a halt so much of the scarred population has no way to pay for basic necessities. According to a United Nations estimate, more than 500,000 Kenyans will need emergency aid. In the critical humanitarian relief effort, the United States should do its part along with other nations, but it should do no more.

Correction: Monday’s editorial “Dealing with the Kenyan Crisis” incorrectly stated that the Kenyan elections were held December 23. In fact, they were held December 27. The Crimson regrets the error.