The Current Discussion: With the U.S. presidential primary season in full swing, there's a lot of talk here about "change" vs. "competence" in leadership. Which does your country have more of? Is that a good thing?

There is always a danger in assuming that the pursuit of "change" is necessarily a good thing because of the saying "a change is as a good as a rest." There is immense evidence that change in leadership could be a regressive step. Instead of bringing in fresh ideas that enhance the human condition, certain changes in leadership could in fact be the beginning of a consolidation of ideas that are harmful. When Idi Amin overthrew Milton Obote in Uganda, the British Government quickly endorsed him because in the mind of the British rulers, Obote had shown socialist inclinations. Within a short time, however, Idi Amin became a dictator and many Ugandans lost their lives under his leadership. Equally when Daniel Arap Moi, former president of Kenya, took over power after the death of Jomo Kenyatta in 1978, Western capitals celebrated. In the earlier days it was assumed that the Moi regime, because it was new, would bring positive change in Kenya. Again, within a short time the democratic space was narrowed and freedoms were curtailed. Initially a single party country in practice, but with a possibility of multi-party political participation, the constitution was changed by the new leader to make the country a single party by law. The reversal of that amendment in the constitution cost the lives of many Kenyans.

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The Current Discussion: The slaughter last week of Kikuyus and Luos in Kenya reminded us that this is a world of tribes. How should wise governments deal with the reality of tribal loyalties and tribal violence?

NAIROBI - I have been shocked by the violence that followed the December 27, 2007 elections in my country, Kenya. The violence has left at least 500 dead, many wounded and more than 300,000 internally displaced persons. There is overwhelming evidence of rape in the conflict areas and the lives of children are in jeopardy due to hunger and outbreaks of disease. Houses have been burnt down and property destroyed. The East African region is feeling the effects of Kenya’s violent unrest. But the violence is not just about ethnic difference: it is mainly about limited resources, glaring inequalities, manipulation of difference for political gain and the failure of governance institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Kenya.

What should wise governments do to address difference? They need to recognize diversity as part of human existence and accommodate it. They need to build strong and accountable institutions of governance. They need to grow leadership that is responsive to the needs of citizens. They need to address social and economic inequalities and ensure equity in resource allocation. They need to listen to the voice of the people at all times. Wise governments should not be alienated from their citizens. They should facilitate the growth of issue-based politics and de-emphasize the politics of patronage and uncritical loyalty to individuals and ethno-linguistic groups.

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I recently read "Emergency Sex" on the workings of the United Nations around the world, from Kosovo to Liberia, Somalia and Haiti, and enjoyed it tremendously. There is no sex in "Emergency Sex" per se, but the intensity with which UN staff work in conflict situations around the world. The story is told by three individuals who meet coincidentally in the line of duty and develop strong friendships. Through the real life experiences of the narrators, we see the struggles of UN staff members who passionately seek to save lives in very difficult circumstances.

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