Abstract
This article examines the role of East African Community (EAC) in mediating the 2007/2008 Kenyan post-election crisis, analysing its engagement in regional conflict resolution. Despite its mandate to promote peace, the EAC's response was constrained by institutional weaknesses, political dynamics, and reliance on quiet diplomacy. The African Union-backed Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by Kofi Annan, ultimately led the mediation, sidelining the EAC. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, the article indicates that EAC lacked a binding conflict management framework and faced decision-making delays that hindered swift intervention. The partiality of key figures, particularly President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, further diminished its credibility as a neutral mediator. The article also examines the conflict transformation theory and Track II diplomacy, emphasizing long-term structural change and informal mediation efforts. While the quiet diplomacy of EAC aligned with elements of these theories, its lack of inclusivity and long-term strategic focus limited its effectiveness. It concludes by arguing that the post-election crisis of Kenya serves as a case study of demonstrating both the limitations and potential of regional organizations in conflict resolution. Institutionalizing proactive and inclusive mediation strategies will be key to the effectiveness of EAC in future peacebuilding efforts.
Recommended Citation
Minja, Rasul A.
(2025)
"Mediation Partiality and the East African Community’s ‘Quiet Diplomacy’ in the Kenyan Post-Election Crisis of 2007/2008,"
Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.65085/1030
Available at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/zjahs/vol2/iss1/6
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