The United States and Kenya signed an agreement regarding the ongoing Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) to Haiti.
The US Embassy sent details of the agreement on June 5, 2024; this was followed by a letter from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honoring the agreement.
“If the foregoing proposal is acceptable to the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the Embassy proposes that this note and a note from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to that effect shall constitute an agreement between the two Governments, which shall enter into force on the date of the Ministry’s note,” reads part of the letter.
In the letter, the U.S is providing Kenya with defense articles and services under a specific U.S. law called the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, specifically section 506(a)(2).
The agreement references a prior understanding (from the year 2000) that says Kenya must follow specific conditions when using the provided items.
However, once Kenya no longer needs the equipment or services for the intended purpose they must return the items to the U.S., unless the U.S. agrees they can use them for something else.
“The agreement is subject to all terms and conditions contained in the 2000 Agreement, which terms include, inter alia, that such defense articles and services “shall be returned to the U.S Government when they are no longer needed for the purposes for which they were furnished, unless the United States Government consents to another disposition,” reads another part of the letter by the U.S government.
Kenya’ Response Letter
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs responded to this letter on August 13, 2204.
In the letter, Kenya accepted the terms set by the U.S in the agreement to facilitate its support in Haiti.
Therefore, the Ministry clarified the letter together with that of the U.S Embassy constituted the agreement which took effect on the date of the response.
“The Ministry has the honor to confirm that the proposal set forth in the Embassy’s note are acceptable to the Government of the Republic of Kenya and that the Embassy’s note and this note in reply shall constitute an Agreement between the two Governments which shall enter into force on the date of this reply,” reads part of the letter.
Also Read: Mudavadi Clarifies the Relationship Between Kenya and US After Trump’s Win
Mudavadi Clarifies U.S Role in Haiti Mission
Speaking on November 26, Prime CS and CS Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Mudavadi highlighted the U.S role in Haiti mission dismissing claims it influenced Kenya police deployment.
Also Read: What If Trump Ends Kenyan-Led Mission in Haiti?
Additionally, he explained that the U.S is providing equipment and other support to countries involved in the mission.
“The Kenya police are not in Haiti because of the US. They are there because the UN resolved that Haiti needs help to combat the gangs. Kenya volunteered alongside other countries,” Mudavadi said.
“The US is one of the countries which want to help with the logistics and equipment to support the mission.”
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