President William Ruto has announced his readiness for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, led by the Kenya National Police Service (NPS), to be converted into a full U.N. peacekeeping operation.
Speaking in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Ruto said Kenya was ready to adopt the suggestion if the United Nations (UN) Security Council gives it the go-ahead.
“On the suggestion to transition this into a full U.N. peacekeeping mission, we have absolutely no problem with it, if that is the direction the U.N. Security Council wants to take,” Ruto said.
The U.N. Security Council approved the MSSM for 12 months, with its mandate set to expire at the start of October.
However, the United States (U.S.) and Ecuador circulated a draft text asking the U.N. to begin planning for the transition of the MSSM into a U.N. peacekeeping operation.
The suggestion would renew the MSSM mandate for another 12 months, implying that the NPS members would have to extend their stay as part of the mission. U.N. Security Council members are scheduled to vote on the matter on September 30.
Ruto stated that his visit to Haiti was to assess the progress of the mission and get direct feedback from the Kenyan police officers on the ground.
He praised the officers and offered his best wishes as they continued their mission in Haiti.
“I am very confident that you have what it takes to restore peace in Haiti. I came here specifically to learn about your progress so that friends and partners who believe in stability and peace can work with me at the UN General Assembly to ensure you get the requisite support and deliver on this mandate,” he said.
Ruto Updates on Haiti Situation
Ruto noted that Haiti’s security has significantly improved, crucial infrastructure is much safer, populations are returning home, humanitarian access has increased, and abductions have decreased.
He highlighted that the deployment, which was initially met with skepticism, criticism, and pessimism, now enjoys strong national support both in Kenya and around the world.
He attributed this shift to the courage, competence, professionalism, and effectiveness of the officers in Haiti in achieving their mission.
Also Read: Kenyan Police Raid 6 Regions in Haiti, Destroy Feared Gang
“Your exemplary conduct has borne fruit and made our country very proud. Consequently, this mission has attracted praise across the globe, and your force commander has been commended,” he said.
Ruto announced that progress is being made around the port, with more and larger vessels now docking.
He also stated that the Kenyan police, together with the Haiti National Police (HNP), are working to secure areas around the airport to enable the reopening of the economy.
Also Read: Ruto to Visit Haiti Months After Sending Kenyan Police
Gaps & Compensation
The President emphasized that Kenya agreed to take on the assignment as a responsible member of the international community.
He acknowledged that there were gaps in equipment, which he promised would be addressed to ensure the mission’s continuity.
Regarding compensation, Ruto mentioned that the officers are already covered under the NPS insurance framework in Kenya but will be informed of any necessary additional coverage.
“There were many people who thought this Haiti mission was impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made together with the HNP,” he said.
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