No diplomacy over migingo

Eric Sindabi

Migingo Island: use diplomacy or force to resolve matter

The continued occupation of the Migingo Island which is a Kenyan territory by the Ugandan security forces indicates a weakness or a total failure in Kenya’s diplomatic services. Ever since the controversy erupted over the ownership of the Island between Kenya and Uganda, the government of Kenya has maintained that it will use diplomacy to resolve the issue, but not necessarily force or any other un warranted means.

However the continued presence and harassment of Kenyans living and making a living from the territory by the ugandan forces leaves much behind to be desired, as much as the government of Kenya continue keeping mum while taking no action nor reaction of whatever kind over the injustices being subjected to its citizens by foreigners. Diplomacy means compromise through negotiations that brings about a lasting solution to an existing problem or matter while taking into consideration the interests of the parties involved.

As the media continue highlighting the sufferings Kenyan fishermen undergoes in the hands of the Ugandan security forces, the public go on with doubt the government’s commitments to safe guarding its citizens and protection of its territory. We must not forget that what is happening now between Kenya and Somalia is as a result of weaknesses in the government’s commitment to securing its territory and lapses in screening of foreigners and their missions inside Kenya.

President Kibaki should address the nation and make known the government’s stand over the Migingo Island controversy.If Kenyans living and making a living from the island continue undergoing g sufferings in the hands of foreign security forces while Kenyan security forces stand by, then the government should accept that diplomacy has failed. Then what next if that is the case. We should have a lasting solution to the Migingo Island saga once and for all by all means necessary in order to protect our sovereignty and the lives and rights of Kenyan citizens.