U.S.-Kenya New Partnership: Shifting the Horn of Africa’s Balance of Power?

[Deeq A.]

In December 2002, former President George W. Bush welcomed Daniel arap Moi of Kenya and Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia to the White House. The timing of the invitation of the two African leaders is straightforward. About a year and three months ago by the time the meeting takes place, the tragic event of 9/11, the most heinous act of terrorism in the U.S. soil, happened, and the agenda of the meeting with Moi and Zenawi was to bring both leaders on the table as “partners” against the “global war on terrorism.” As it was reported by the BBC, the two leaders were described by Bush as "two strong friends of America... two leaders of countries which have joined us to fight the global war on terrorism.” After the brief address by Bush, both Moi and Zenawi spoke as they underscored their full support of the war on terror. Mr. arap Moi stated that he was most concerned with the security in and around his country and the global fight against terrorism. President Moi’s security concern “around his country” was mainly referring to Somalia. On the other hand, unsurprisingly, the language used by Zenawi was more stronger than the language of Moi as Zenawi affirmed his belief that the war against terrorism “is a war against people who have not caught up with the 21st century; people who have values and ideals that are contrary to the values of the 21st century.” He continued noting that the war “is not a fight between the United States and some groups; it's a fight between those who want to catch up with the 21st century and those who want to remain where they are."

Source: Hiiraan Online