Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka is set to lead the search for peace in South Sudan, it has emerged. The former Vice President will replace former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who stepped down as the head of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC).
The team is charged with monitoring implementation of agreements signed to end the battle between President Salva Kiir and his arch-rival Riek Machar that plunged the world’s youngest state into fresh anarchy after gaining independence from Sudan after a a more than 20-year civil war.
Though there is no official confirmation yet, news of Kalonzo’s new role comes days after President Uhuru Kenyatta hinted that he could get a job to lead peace processes in Kenya and internationally.
“I am grateful that Raila has been given a job by AU … He will be able to contribute here and don’t you think he will bring some money to Kenya? My brother Kalonzo should help us to bring the country together and foster peace for all Kenyans and even internationally. Every leader has something to contribute. All we need is to give each other space and respect one another!” Uhuru said during the burial of Kalonzo’s father last week.
Perhaps aware of the impending appointment, Kalonzo declared he was ready to be the President’s “errand boy” as he declared nobody should separate them and even their children. Wiper leaders led by chairman Kivutha Kibwana had asked the former VP to clarify what he meant and whether he had abandoned his presidential dream.
Already, the State has also reinstated his security detail, which had been withdrawn during the standoff over last year’s contested presidential election outcome. General Service Unit (GSU) officers have also been deployed at his various homes.
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While serving as Foreign Affairs minister under retired President Moi, Kalonzo actively participated in peace negotiations between the Sudan and South Sudan that led to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that pave way for the latter’s independence.
That Kalonzo was destined for a role under the Building Bridges Initiative and internationally emerged when he accompanied the President to China for the Forum on Chino-Africa Cooperation in September.
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