EU Council conclusions on Kenya

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The Council closely follows the reform process in Kenya, as set out under the National Accord and Reconciliation Act (2008), mediated by the AU-panel of eminent African personalities under H.E. Kofi Annan. It considers that prompt implementation of the agreed reforms are of critical importance for reconciliation, nation-building, development and prevention of further conflict in Kenya.

2. The Council recognizes Kenya's key role for regional stability and the importance of Kenya's partnership in addressing issues of regional significance, e.g. the fight against piracy. The Council underlines that the carrying out of the reform agenda is of crucial importance not only for Kenya but also for the region as a whole.

3. The Council notes that some procedural steps have been taken in order to advance reforms. It strongly encourages the Government of Kenya to use this momentum to ensure timely and decisive implementation of all the areas in the National Accord and Reconciliation Act. The Council urges Kenya's political leaders to speed up the implementation of reforms, with priority given to comprehensive constitutional reform, electoral reform, police and judicial reform as well as enhanced measures to put an end to impunity for crimes related to violence and corruption.

4. The Council calls for the establishment of a credible, independent, constitutionally protected local special tribunal to end the impunity of perpetrators of the post-election violence. The Council also welcomes the Kenyan authorities' cooperation with the International Criminal Court and fully supports H.E. Kofi Annan's efforts to facilitate results.

5. The Council expresses its deep concern over reports of human rights violations and threats against human rights defenders as well as reports on extrajudicial killings. It calls upon the Government to promptly investigate and bring to justice all perpetrators of unlawful killings, including perpetrators within the security forces. It calls for the development of improved mechanisms of accountability in this regard.

The Council reiterates its willingness to support the reform process."

| Haut |

• Statement by EU HR Ashton on ICC's summonses related to post-election violence in Kenya (12/3/2011)
• Kenya: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the International Criminal Court's investigation on post-election violence (9/4/2010)
• EU Presidency Declaration on Kenya (1/10/2009)
• EU External Relations Council Conclusions on Somalia and EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (27/7/2009)
• EU General Affairs Council Conclusions on Iceland's application for EU Membership, EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, and more (27/7/2009)
• Kenya: EU Commission allocates €8 million for refugees and drought victims  (22/6/2009)
• EU Naval force hands over 11 suspected pirates to Kenyan authorities (8/5/2009)