default header
09 April 2008
Ambassador Ranneberger Discusses U.S.-Kenya Relations
Ask America webchat transcript, April 9
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael E. Ranneberger participated in an Ask America webchat on U.S.-Kenya relations and other issues related to Africa April 9.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
Ask the Ambassador: U.S.–Kenya Relations with Ambassador to Kenya
Guest: Michael E. Ranneberger
Date: April 9, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. EDT (1500 Nairobi/1200 GMT)
Moderator: Welcome to our latest "Ask the Ambassador" online discussion with Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. Today's discussion will begin at 1500 Nairobi/1200 GMT. You may begin submitting your questions now.
If you have more than one question, please submit each one separately. Members of the press are asked to identify their press affiliation.
Moderator: We'll begin shortly. Thank you for your questions. We appreciate your patience. The webchat will begin shortly.
Question [Electric Mayhem]: Dear Ambassador, I am very atheletic and have always wanted to take a trip to Kenya. If I could only do three recreational activities there, what would you suggest I do?
Pete Chiapperino
Honolulu, Hawaii
Answer [Ambassador Ranneberger]: 1. Run in a peace run, like the one Tegla Laroupe does each year. 2. Go on safari to the Masai Mara. 3. Climb Mount Kenya.
Q [joe_bob630]: what are some off your goals in are job?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: My main goals are to strengthen the democratic institutions of Kenya, to help Kenyans improve access to education and health, to further enhance close ties between the American and Kenyan people, and to work with Kenya to bring about peace and stability in Somalia. I like interacting with people, and want to continue traveling within Kenya and talking directly with the Kenyan people, like in web chats like these.
Q [Warmo640189402]: Are you running for president?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: In which country -- Kenya or the U.S.?
Q [Roxasus]: what has usa done so far concerning Zimbabwe, as to prove that USA or Bush really cares for Africa? Now that war has not start there and no troops and peace keepers needed yet. What has you the Ambassador in Kenya done too?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Since my responsibility is only for Kenya, I am not involved with respect to Zimbabwe. I can tell you that the USG, and President Bush, have been pushing very hard to return Zimbabwe back to democracy. What is most important, however, is for African countries themselves to act to put more pressure on President Mugabe to respect democracy, including the results of the elections.
Q: i dont see my Question? why
Moderator: Dear participants. We appreciate all of your questions. Your questions will appear on this screen only after they are answered by Ambassador.
Q [EVELYN2]: In light of the recent stalemate in naming the cabinet and the now rising tension between different ethnic communities, is the US going to impose any sanctions.......this time for real on Kenya.
What do you think of some of the politicians set to be part of hte coalition government some of whom are implicated in the post election violence.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: First, I am confident that President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Odinga will soon agree on the cabinet. I met with both of them yesterday, and came away optimistic about their commitment to achieving this. I do not think there is any need to impose sanctions. Now is the time to encourage the two leaders to work together and to give them time to do so. In some European countries it has taken months to work out coalition governments! I don't want to comment about specific personalities. President Kibaki and PM-designate Odinga must make those judgments.
I do think it is important that the ordinary Kenyan people continue to speak up to put pressure on their leaders to support reconciliation efforts and to get the coalition government in place. The government has a lot of urgent issues to address, so they need to come to agreement now.
Q [Funsi]: 1- US Government and the European Union why they do not need to interfere the Situation of Somalia, for sending Troops to clean Terrorists and other Mafia in Somalia?
You knew very well, the Banadir Community they still feel big problems in Somalia. All of you knew that the Situation in Somalia not only because of Siad Barre was a Dictator, but the Hawiye trips organized this Civil war to Punish Banadirs and clean up them in Banadir.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: We are supporting efforts to have a democratic transition in Somalia in 2009. We have provided most of the support for the AMISOM forces. We are trying to get the UN to approve a UN peacekeeping force for Somalia. We are also taking actions against terrorists.
Moderator: If you are just joining us, welcome. We do see your questions coming in. We ask for your patience as the Ambassador reviews and answers your questions.
Q [Chat Participant]: I would like to know what the US is doing to ensure that the Peace Accord signed and the entrenching of the Accord Act is done to the letter. What are the measures put in place incase the way things look at present one partiner in the Caolition was to withdraw?
Maseme Machuka, Journalist
The Standard Group
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. is continuing to press both President Kibaki and PM-designate Odinga to implement the accord fully. We have made clear that, if they do not, we will identify who is responsible and take appropriate action. However, we are optimistic that the cabinet will soon be agreed to. We will then move quickly to support the new government.
Q [Funsi]: I Believe that a couple of US Troops can finish them the Terrorists in Somalia, you believe that?
I know that you may feel difficulty to answer the above mentioned questions, but I hope you will try at least to answer part of them.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: No, the answer is not U.S. troops. There are some terrorists who exploit Somalia. The way to stop this is:
(1) get the clans and sub-clans and all groups to reconcile so the terrorists will get no support;
(2) bring about a democratic transition as planned for 2009;
(3) strengthen the Transitional Federal Government security structures;
(4) in the meantime continue to strengthen AMISOM and introduce a UN peacekeeping mission.
Moderator: Thank you for joining us today. Your questions and comments are being reviewed by the Ambassador now. They will appear on this screen only after he responds to them. We hope you will understand that there are many questions coming in and he may not be able to respond directly to your questions/comments.
Q [Diora]: The best way to settle this issue in your opinion?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: By this issue, I guess you mean the Kenya situation. I think that only the Kenyan people and their leaders can resolve it. I truly believe President Kibaki and PM-designate Odinga are committed to forming the cabinet and working together. I think that is was pressure from ordinary Kenyans who forced them to do the political accord. Kenyans (ordinary people, private sector, religious groups, civil society, etc) should keep up that peaceful pressure for them to form the cabinet immediately. The U.S. can help by supporting what the Kenyan people want to see. We are in close touch with Kibaki and Odinga to press them to reach agreement.
Q [Irene2]: I am very concerned about the welfare of the Country and would like to know the Ambassador's view of Kenya three months from now.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: In three months I expect the coalition government to be in place and functioning well. I expect to see President Kibaki and PM Odinga travelling around the country. I expect to see the new government focusing on institutional reform and economic issues. You will also see the U.S. being very supportive of the coalition government. Forming coalition governments is a difficult process that takes a lot of time. I am truly optimistic that this will be accomplished. I believe that Kenya will emerge from this crisis a stronger democratic country. We will continue to stand by your side.
Q [Yussuf2]: How optimistic are on the sustainability of the kenya peace agreement?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: See my answer above. I do believe that Kibaki and Odinga are truly committed to making this work, so I am optimistic about the sustainability of the agreement. This will not be an easy process, but the involvement of the U.S. and others will provide necessary support and help ensure that it works.
Q [Yussuf2]: What will US do in case the agreement fails to take-off or in the near future?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: We expect the cabinet to be formed and that the agreement will work. If the agreement is not fully implemented, we have made clear that we will determine who is responsible for that and act accordingly. We have also made clear that our whole relationship with Kenya would be negatively a affected by failure to implement the accord.
Moderator: Welcome to those of you just joining us. Your questions are being reviewed by the Ambassador now. Thank you for your patience.
Q [Yussuf2]: I think US has been more interested in seeing Kenya politically stabel than other countries in the region [such Somalia- reluctant to push negotuation involving all parties in the conflict; and Tanzania- prolonged conflict between ruling party (CCM) and the opposition (CUF) on Zanzibar, why so interested in Kenya? Has US invested much in Kenya? What new Aid or Help should Kenyans expect from US if the peace agreement is implemented?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. considers Kenya a very important country not only in Africa, but in the whole developing world. Kenya has been held up as a model of democratic stability. Kenya has helped to promote peace in Sudan and Somalia. Kenya's economy is key to the well-being of the whole region.
Therefore, we consider it extremely important that Kenya stay on the democratic path. We do have a very large partnership with Kenya and so we want to help. The U.S. will work hard to provide support to the new coalition government. We have already pledged $25m in new assistance for Kenya.
Q [Yussuf2]: What new Aid or Help should Kenyans expect from US if the peace agreement is implemented?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: see above
Q [Chat participant]: Do you think that the U.S can change the current situation in Kenya? if so how?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: All my answers above deal with this. Only the Kenyan people can make sure that their leaders fully implement the political accord. I have been very impressed by how the Kenyan people have been speaking out and putting peaceful pressure on their leaders. The U.S. can help by supporting what the Kenyan people are saying: that they want their two leaders to reach agreement on the cabinet and start the work of governing. I believe that this will happen. The U.S. will remain very involved to make sure it does.
Q [Steve2]: I am greatly alarmed at the turn events have taken since the aborted cabinet announcement on Sunday. Are we headed for more violence? How will it all end? Is there any chance that a coalition cabinet can be put in place any time soon so that the country can move forward?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: See my answers above. There has been some violence, but President Kibaki and PM-designate Odinga have urged calm, and there is no widespread violence. I believe that the cabinet will be formed soon and that the country will move ahead. I believe the prospects for peace and prosperity in Kenya are good. It will be important for the two leaders to make institutional reform (of the electoral system, constitution, and land) a priority.
Q [Keumayou]: Which action(s) the US can really take against Odinga and Kibaki if they definitely don't want to sign and respect any agreement?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: They are committed to respect the agreement, and I believe the cabinet will be formed soon, so I am optimistic. I do not want to speculate about what we might do if the agreement breaks down. I can say that the whole relationship between the U.S. and Kenya would be negative affected. Also, Kenya would be internationally isolated.
Q [mark Iverson]: My family and I will be traveling to Kenya this summer. Since we have some contact with people who live there, I believe it will be safe. But I want to do something more than just travel. I want to know if there are volunteer opportunities or other things my family can do to assist the refugees and does the State Dept. have information regarding NGOs or other organizations that we can have access to?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: There are lots of volunteer opportunities. I suggest you contact:
USAID at nali@usaid.gov or Kenya Red Cross at: gullet.abbas@kenyaredcross.org
Q [kjk2]: Mr Ambassador, Other than the potential denial/revocation of visas for "hard-liners" and their family members, how can the United States pressure both parties to implement the power-sharing agreement? Would the US consider suspending Kenya's eligibility for AGOA, specifically? Also, given Kenya's record of official corruption, do you agree with critics of the 40-member cabinet who suggest that at least some of those ministers will live large at the expense of the wananchi? Isn't a cabinet of that size unsustainable for a developing country with limited governance and fiscal capacities?
Thanks for taking part in this forum.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: We are pressing both sides to implement the agreement. We have made clear that our whole bilateral relationship will be negatively affected if they do not. Most important, in my view, is for the Kenyan people to put direct pressure on their leaders (through media, NGOs, religious groups, private sector, etc).
I believe the 40-member cabinet is too large, but sometimes compromises between what is idea and what is politically needed must be made. There are a lot of means to hold the new cabinet members accountable. We will continue to make efforts to fight corruption a priority. The Kenya media will also help expose abuses.
Q [Rukiya]: Kenyans are optimistic about the future of the country. So far we have seen a very bumpy ride between the two partners since the grand coalition is of great concern to all Kenyans. What can you advise Kenyans?
Rukiya, Nairobi
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: I am optimistic that the cabinet will be worked out. Doing so is very difficult given all the competing interests. However, once it is done, I expect the coalition government to work well. President Kibaki and PM-designate Odinga have a mutual interest in working together to help the nation. By doing that they will also advance the interests of themselves and their parties. I counsel Kenyans to be patient and calm. I believe the two men are committed to making this work. Kenyans should also know that the U.S. will help to make sure that the agreement is fully implemented.
Q [kjk2]: Is a 40-member cabinet "bloated"? How can Kenya justify such a size when so many ordinary Kenyans are living in tents? Doesn't a bigger cabinet mean bigger opportunities for corruption?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: see my answer to this already made. 40 is probably too large, but sometimes compromises must be made between what is best and what is politically needed. What will be important will be to ensure that the government functions well and that resources will not be misused. The U.S. will help ensure this.
Q [jazz]: dear sir, my name is jasiel. First I would like to thank you for the work you are doing. I believe kenya has never had an american ambassador the way you have handled yourself in matters relating to the current political crisis, visiting the IDPS, and even going to the media via radio stations to answer questions related to american visas just to mention but afew. you have truly exemplified that LEADERSHIP IS BEING WITH THE PEOPLE NOT JUST LEADING THEM.
When we went to the elections last year kenya's voted as a result of democracy in the aftermath we were denied justice. I have nothing against your country infact my family lives there am the only one in kenya, but the statement president Bush made then saying there should be power sharing was truly uncalled for. It was not until then that I believe the debate began and the coming of kofi annan. Bearing in mind that the outcome of our elections was similar to [yours in 2000],where bush was declared winner through vote counting while al gore had the popular vote, kibaki winner through vote counting, raila winner through popular vote. A time comes when a leader has got to make a decision based on his position and authority kibaki was declared president unjustily but since he is on the sit as per the moment he should take charge because we can’t have [two leaders]. If raila as the prime minister is dissatified with the bargain in another 4years he can prove his point. They complained when president Bush declared war on iraq but when saddam was apprehended and killed every one rejoiced. President bush should go ahead and call kibaki to take the bull by its horn AND LEAD THE COUNRTY WITH NO APOLOGY....thank you and God bless you.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. election was different. There was a dispute, but it went to the courts and the American people all accepted that the courts would resolve it fairly. The problem is that in Kenya the courts are not considered credible to do this. That is why we said there should be a political settlement. More or less, Kibaki and Odinga each won about half the vote. It was impossible to say with certainty who won because the vote counting was not transparent, so we advocated a coalition government in order to reflect the will of the Kenyan people. We have been encouraging the two leaders to cooperate, and so far they have done so by signing the political accord. We believe that the two leaders can and will work well together once the coalition government is formed.
We are not trying to dictate what Kenyans should do, but rather to help as a friend and partner of this country. We have a lot of confidence in Kenyans and in their commitment to democracy.
Moderator: We wish to thank Ambassador Ranneberger for joining us today. The webchat is now closed.
A full transcript of today's webchat will be available on our Ask America homepage usually within one business day.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
