The change of heart by the Union of Islamic Courts leading to its decision to resume talks with the transitional government is a fresh opportunity for Kenya to reclaim its rightful role as the honest arbiter in Somalia.  

As the most crucial neighbor with so much to gain from peace in Somalia, it is time Kenya clearly defined its policy on the country.  

It is a relief that the Union of Islamic Courts has agreed to resume talks in principle, without giving any preconditions, but this should not be a ticket for complacency by Kenya, because the Courts are yet to unequivocally prove this country's neutrality.  

Apparently, since the signing of the Somalia peace accord in 2004, Kenya's foreign policy in regard to its interests in Somalia slackened tremendously, with Ethiopia taking control of the post-peace accord developments.  

And although Kenya has so much at stake in developments in the region, it has been playing too safe, for it didn't want to be seen as taking sides.  

But things changed dramatically when Kenya took the position that only the deployment of Igad troops would return peace to Somalia. Kenya is yet to fully discard this position, but the Islamic Courts may have interpreted this caution as subservience to Ethiopia's interests.  

However, Kenya's interest are much more than those of all the frontline states put together. A fresh outbreak of war in Somalia would destabilize Kenya more than ever before.  

As a result, it is incumbent upon our Government to ensure that war does not break out in Somalia. The only way to do so is to constantly engage both sides for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. In short, Kenya must once again demonstrate its prowess as a neutral peace-broker.  

Source: The Nation, Nov 16, 2006