Ethiopian Review

Nairobi — The international community has been piling pressure on the Government to initiate reforms or risk some of its leaders being dragged to The Hague.

They agree perpetrators of post-election violence should be tried locally.

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affair Johnnie Carson is among those who have pointed a finger at the Government over corruption, impunity and slow pace of reform.

Earlier, Carson delivered a chilling warning to the Government that the US would “exercise some degree of muscle” should the coalition fail to implement reforms.

“We are concerned about the slow pace of implementation of the Kofi Annan accords, which brought an end to the violence that followed a very flawed election,” Mr Carson said.

Under pressure

His remarks came days after Congressman Russel Feingold challenged Kenya to justify its massive military aid and official assistance.

It is no wonder US President Barack Obama opted to visit other reform minded countries in his maiden trip to Africa and skipped his ‘father land’.

Information from the US Embassy said Mr Obama was not taking the reform agenda lightly.

Amnesty International also added its voice and told the Government through its Secretary-General Irene Khan, to speed up reforms and protect human rights.

- By Peter Orengo | The Standard