Page 11 - ARUBA TODAY

A11
WORLD NEWS Thursday 9 November 2017

After Kenya vote drama, secessionist talk enters mainstream

By CHRIS TORCHIA some Kenyans about the
Associated Press unity of one of Africa’s most
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — influential nations.However
During Kenya’s election unlikely, secession is “an
upheaval, a few protesters idea that was extremely
displayed images of the marginal, and now it’s gone
flag of the “People’s Re- mainstream,” said Abdul-
public of Kenya,” a notion- lahi Boru, a political analyst
al breakaway state. Some in Kenya. Recent indepen-
posted online images of dence bids in Spain’s Cata-
Kenya divided into two na- lonia region and Iraq’s au-
tions along ethnic lines, re- tonomous Kurdish area ran
flecting a growing sense of up against the power of
marginalization in some op- the state, and the blood-
position strongholds despite shed that accompanied
some progress in allocating the path to statehood in
more rights and resources African nations including
to aggrieved communities. Eritrea and South Sudan is a
In another new challenge, measure of the toll of some
Mombasa Gov. Hassan secessionist bids.
Joho, another governor Separatists in Kenya are
and more than a dozen likely to encounter im-
lawmakers have revived mense political pressures,
old calls for coastal coun- legal obstacles and a pos-
ties to secede, alleging dis- sible crackdown by secu- In this photo, an opposition supporter holds a poster in Nairobi, Kenya. While secession proposals
crimination by the national rity forces even if they can by the opposition stand little chance of becoming reality, they reflect a growing sense of
government since Kenya’s organize effectively. Mean- marginalization along ethnic lines in one of Africa’s most influential nations.
independence from Brit- while, Kenyan officials note, (AP Photo/Sayyid Abdul Azim)
ish rule in 1963. Critics have even counties where op- clout and funding. Kenyatta, a Kikuyu, in an vote should be held within
dismissed the call as politi- position thrives continue to Secession is a rallying cry August vote nullified by the 90 days, capitalizing on
cal posturing in the wake of work with the capital, Nai- in the camp of opposition Supreme Court because of the frustration of supporters
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s robi, on development and leader Raila Odinga, an flaws. Odinga has said he is who say Kikuyus and their
disputed election win on other projects spurred by a ethnic Luo who boycotted forming a peaceful “resis- Kalenjin allies have domi-
Oct. 26, but the rhetoric 2010 constitution that seeks the October election after tance movement.” nated the country for too
highlights the skepticism of to give local areas more challenging the victory of Odinga says yet another long.q
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe says fired deputy plotted via witchcraft

By FARAI MUTSAKA ated Press, Mnangagwa saw us chasing away Muju-
Associated Press said he was safe but did ru,” Mugabe said of Mnan-
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — not mention his location. gagwa. In the statement,
Zimbabwe’s president said “I will be communicating Mnangagwa said that “my
Wednesday he fired his with you soon and shall re- mouth has never uttered
deputy and longtime ally turn to Zimbabwe to lead a single foul word against
for scheming to take pow- you,” the statement said. the president nor have I
er, including by consulting Mugabe spoke publicly for ever contemplated bring-
witch doctors, while Em- the first time since dismiss- ing him harm in any way.”
merson Mnangagwa said ing Mnangagwa, who had “No one will remove the
he has left the country after been seen as Mugabe’s president except God,”
“incessant threats” to him potential successor. the first lady told the crowd
and his family. Now Mugabe’s wife ap- on Wednesday, without di-
The demonization of the pears poised for the role. rectly addressing her ambi-
deposed vice president is Mugabe told thousands of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, left, and his wife tions. “God grant me the
the clearest sign yet that cheering supporters that Grace chant the party’s slogan during a solidarity rally in serenity to accept things
Harare, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. Zimbabwe’s president said
President Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa had plotted Wednesday he fired his deputy and longtime ally for scheming I can’t change. I love my
who at 93 is the world’s old- to take over since becom- to take power, including by consulting witch doctors. Now president. I will help him to
est head of state, is prepar- ing a vice president in 2014. Mugabe’s wife appears poised for the role. make the country prosper.”
ing his wife, Grace, to suc- Mnangagwa replaced (AP Photo) On Sunday, she told a rally
ceed him. In a statement Joice Mujuru, who had by Mugabe of using witch- “We have kicked him out that she was ready to take
obtained by The Associ- been ousted and accused craft to take power. for the same reasons that over from her husband. q