President William Ruto has declared that Kenya will change its strategy of sending officers to Haiti as part of a mission to tame gang violence following the recent developments witnessed in the country.
Ruto through a statement on March 14, 2024, declared that Kenya would be sending of a reconnaissance mission before police are deployed after having conversations with outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Earlier today, I had a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau regarding the situation in Haiti.
I further outlined our plan to deploy a reconnaissance mission as soon as a viable administration is in place,” read part of the statement.
The head of state further retaliated that Kenya would remain actively involved and we will not abandon Haiti in their time of need.
According to Ruto, the officers selected for the reconnaissance mission will remain adequately prepared and informed to respond effectively to the evolving situation in Haiti.
Kenya had in August 2023 already sent a reconnaissance mission in Haiti. A delegation of nearly a dozen senior Kenya Police Officers were seen leaving the Toussaint Louverture international airport in the capital, Port-au-Prince in armored cars heading to the U.S. embassy.
The Kenyan officers were on a reconnaissance mission to the troubled nation following the country’s offer to help the Haitian national police in their fight against gang violence.
Also Read: Uproar as Former US Envoy to Haiti Gives Harsh Truth on Kenya’s Mission
Ruto gives details of conversations
Additionally, the President noted that he engaged with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis, representing the Caribbean Community and Common Market.
“Engaged with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis. During our discussions, I conveyed our unwavering commitment to supporting Haiti, emphasizing that they are our brothers and sisters,” he stated.
The declaration by Ruto comes after the Canadian Prime Minister committed to contributing Ksh11.2 billion ($80.5 million) towards the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed his nation’s commitment towards supporting Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members as they prepare to participate in the mission during a conversation with President Ruto on Wednesday, March 14,
The two leaders, according to a statement by the Office of the Canadian Prime Minister, welcomed latest reports about an agreement to form a provisional council and a transitional government.
Also Read: From Police Officer to Gangster: Story of Haiti Gang Leader Barbecue
Ruto also had a conversation with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the developments in the Carribean nation following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
The head of state noted that Blinken briefed him on the decision by the United States and other partners concerning the political situation in the Carribean country.
Rise in Attacks
Haiti’s situation has deteriorated due to gang violence which witnessed in the past.
Outgoing Prime Minister Haiti Ariel Henry had flown into Kenya where he signed an agreement with President Ruto
In a statement on March 1, 2024, President Ruto noted that the signing of the reciprocal instrument between the two countries on the multi-national security support mission in Haiti was done after the two leaders held a meeting at State House in Nairobi.
Following the signing of the deal, the country’s main gang leader Jimmy Barbecue orchestrated attacks that led to the escape of over 3,000 dangerous criminals from Haiti’s two largest prisons and killed around a dozen people.
The prison attacks were followed by the storming of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, which was repelled by security, before a state of emergency was declared on March 3.
Eventually, the Prime Minister gave in to pressure and tendered his resignation as the head of the Caribbean’s nation government.
