President Kibaki acknowledges greetings from Kenyans on arrival for the 48th Madaraka Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi June 1, 2011. He said the Migingo, Ugingo islands lie squarely on Kenyan territory. PPS
By WALTER MENYA, wmenya@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, June 1 2011 at 13:15
Posted Wednesday, June 1 2011 at 13:15
President Kibaki has stated that the disputed islands of Migingo and Ugingo belong to Kenya, and announced that the country was committed to providing security for all.
The President, who has often maintained a studious silence over the row with Uganda over the islands said Kenya would opt for diplomacy rather than use of force to resolve disputes with its neighbours.
“I would like to reiterate the Government¹s unrelenting commitment to the provision of security for all. Measures have been taken to contain all forms of crime across the country. We have intensified patrols along our borders,” the President said during celebrations to mark Madaraka Day at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi Wednesday.
"I also wish to reassure all Kenyans that the Islands of Migingo and Ugingo lie squarely on Kenyan territory in Lake Victoria. There should, therefore, be no cause for alarm on this issue.”
Uganda claims Migingo and Ugingo islands are in their territory and have stationed marine police in the both locations on Lake Victoria. Kenyans living in the island have often complained of harassment by Ugandan authorities to whom they pay taxes to be allowed to fish.
The rocky patches in Lake Victoria nearly brought Kenya and Uganda to war. Migingo's wealth lies in its proximity to some of the richest remaining deep-water fishing in Lake Victoria.
President Kibaki’s assurance to the country over security also comes in the wake of the killing of 40 Kenyans by Merille militia who crossed over from Ethiopia early May this year.
The killings raised tension and criticism of the military mounted when Prime Minister Raila Odinga blamed the defence forces for failing to secure the country’s borders.
Since the killings, President Kibaki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi have met twice, the most recent being on the sidelines of the Second India-Africa Forum, which was held in Addis Ababa from May 20 to 25.
The two regional leaders also held discussions in Kampala during the inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni. In addition, the threat of Somali terrorist group al Shabaab continues to worry authorities in Nairobi.
Despite the tough talk, the president emphasised the need for dialogue with neighbours to resolve conflicts.
“We should always remember that Kenya is the biggest promoter of regional integration. Let us always aspire to live harmoniously with our neighbours.
"A peaceful region holds much promise for our people who have the great potential to do business and get jobs across our borders,” he said in his call for diplomatic efforts to end conflicts with neighbouring states.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment