Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti to lead the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission could end up staying in the Caribbean nation longer if a recommendation by Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi to the United Nations (UN) Security Council is granted.
PCS Mudavadi in a statement on September 26 said he urged the UN Security Council to consider extending the mission for another year. According to Mudavadi, extension of their stay would enable the full deployment necessary to accomplish its mandate.
The PCS was speaking during the Ministerial Meeting on Building on Progress to Restore Security in Haiti on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States.
“I called on the Security Council to consider extending the Mission for another year, enabling the full deployment necessary to accomplish its mandate. Additionally, I urged the Council to explore innovative approaches for the United Nations to provide the essential resources required to sustain and build upon the progress made by the MSS,” the statement reads.
Mudavadi highlighted that Kenyan police in collaboration with the Haiti National Police (HNP) made significant strides in securing critical infrastructure within the first 100 days of their deployment, including the international airport, the national hospital, and the main seaport in Port-au-Prince.
PCS Musalia Mudavadi urges UN Security Council to extend Haiti mission
The PCS said the mission has played a crucial role in clearing roadblocks and opening access routes, thereby facilitating a smooth flow of humanitarian aid to those in need.
“These efforts have been instrumental in enhancing public safety and stability. Joint patrols with the Haitian National Police in key areas of Port-au-Prince, including downtown, have significantly bolstered the protection of civilians,” he said.
Also Read: Haiti Prime Minister Says Country Far from Defeating Gangs Days After Ruto’s Visit
Further, Mudavadi highlighted the commendable efforts of the 410 dedicated officers that have so far been deployed in the MSS mission.
He added that their actions have exemplified that this is indeed a “Mission Possible” conducted with the highest standards of transparency and integrity.
However, the PCS emphasized that with only 410 officers currently deployed out of the planned 2,500, there is a limit to what can be achieved.
His remarks come following President William Ruto‘s commitment to deploy 600 more police officers in Haiti after the head of state visited the troubled Caribbean nation.
Ruto speaks after visiting officers deployed in MSS mission
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.
Also Read: Why US Wants Kenyan-Led Police Mission in Haiti Replaced
The President noted that the decision to send Kenyan officers to Haiti raised many questions. Kenya dispatched the first contingent in June 2024.
Mudavadi’s recommendation to the UN Security council also comes following reports that the United States (US) plans to have it replaced by a peacekeeping operation led by the UN.
The US and Ecuador earlier in the month circulated a draft resolution asking the UN to begin planning for a peacekeeping operation to replace the Kenya-led mission, as reported by The Associated Press.
The proposed Security Council resolution by the two countries says that UN peacekeepers are needed “in order to sustain the gains” made by the Kenyan police in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP).
This proposal sent to all 15 council members followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Haiti.
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