Kenya to open consulate in South Sudan

Nov 2, 2005 (NAIROBI) — Kenyan government will open a consulate in southern Sudan before the end of this year to assist traders willing to invest in the oil-rich region that is trying to reconstruct after 21 years of conflict, President Mwai Kibaki announced.

“We have decided to open a Kenyan consulate in Juba, which will become fully operational before the end of the year. The consulate will co-ordinate our activities in Southern Sudan,” he told businessmen attending the 10th anniversary of the Kenya Revenue Authority here.

“We have also made a considerable investment in the peace processes in Somalia and Sudan. Indeed, the dawn of peace in these two countries represents immense economic opportunities for our country,” he said.

“The time to reap the peace dividend in the region is now. I urge the Kenyan business community to venture to the two countries to take advantage of the opportunities that are opening up. The government will provide the needed support,” he added.

Kenya hosted lengthy talks between Sudan’s government and southern main rebel group, which culminated in the January signing of a peace agreement, ending 21 years of fighting and leading southern Sudan to gain a considerable degree of autonomy from Khartoum.

(AFP/ST)