Kofi Annan, the former United Nations secretary-general, has achieved a rare success for international diplomacy in Africa.

Kenya was on the brink of disaster, the fragility of its much vaunted stability and economic health exposed. In the aftermath of December’s flawed elections, the ingredients were in place for a conflict for which Africa as a whole would have suffered. If this has been averted it is thanks to Mr Annan’s calm persistence as a mediator, and the firm backing he has received from the US, the European Union and the African Union. By bridging the gaps between President Mwai Kibaki and his rival, Raila Odinga, on how to share power, he has won near saint-like status among some Kenyans.