President William Ruto has committed to deploy 600 more police officers in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.
Speaking on Saturday, September 21, Ruto said Kenya stands ready to offer any further support that will accelerate Haiti’s transition to peace and stability.
“Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks’ time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” he said.
The President noted that the decision to send Kenya officers to Haiti raised many questions. Kenya dispatched the first contingent in June 2024.
He, however, maintained that it was the right thing to do, saying the move demonstrated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to international peace and security.
“Today, there are nearly 400 officers on the ground, working hand-in-hand with Haitian forces to protect the people and restore security,” Ruto said.
Additionally, Ruto called on the international community to provide the requisite resources to the Kenyan-led MSSM for Haiti.
He explained that said the support, which includes personnel, equipment and logistics, will fast-track the realization of the mission’s objective of restoring peace and stability in Haiti.
President Ruto noted that the international community must pay attention to needs in Haiti.
He emphasized that the mission has made tangible progress in the restoration of peace and stability in the country and injected hope in the people of Haiti.
Ruto urged Haitian stakeholders, its leaders, the people, especially women and youth, the civic sector, business and private sector, to take advantage of this relative calm to drive the momentum for progressive change.
“The Mission is here to create an environment where you can reclaim your nation’s safety and security and determine your future,” he said.
Ruto Salutes Kenya Police
Besides, Ruto saluted the officers for their outstanding work in securing critical infrastructure and restoring peace in regions that had proven impossible to stabilize in previous operations.
This, he explained, has raised the confidence of other stakeholders who have now seen the Haiti mission is achievable.
“There are many people who thought Haiti was mission impossible but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made,” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Announces New Plan for Kenyan Police in Haiti
Haiti Leadership
President Ruto commended the political leadership of Haiti and the Haitian National Police for working with the security mission to ensure its success.
He thanked President Le Leblanc, Prime Minister Cornille and his Cabinet for their steadfast guidance and assistance throughout the mission process.
He noted that Kenya’s leadership in this Mission underscores its steadfast belief in Pan-Africanism.
“We are here because we share your aspiration for freedom and self-determination. Together, we are working to create a future where the Haitian people can chart their own path, for their own good,” he said.
Also Read: Kenyan Police Raid 6 Regions in Haiti, Destroy Feared Gang
Kenya’s Experience in Peacekeeping
The President expressed confidence that the Mission will succeed despite numerous challenges.
He highlighted Kenya’s extensive experience in peacekeeping, having participated in 46 missions worldwide, including in East Timor, Macedonia, Kosovo, Namibia, Darfur, and the DRC.
“Each mission posed unique challenges—different cultures, languages, and terrains—but none of these obstacles prevented success. Haiti will be no different,” he said.
The President vowed to stand with Haiti in rallying the international community to address the wrongs they have gone through.
“The neglect, exploitation, and underinvestment Haiti has suffered is unacceptable. It is our shared duty to demand better,” he said.
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