Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti to lead the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti to battle gangs will stay in the Caribbean nation until October 2025 following extension by the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement on Saturday, September 28, announced that the UN Security Council has extended the present mandate of the MSS mission to October 2, 2025.
“The UN Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the UN, has extended the present mandate of the MSS mission, as authorized in resolution 2699 (2023), to October 2, 2025, and reiterates the call to Haiti and the leadership of the MSS mission to update regularly the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the progress of deployment,” read part of the statement.
This comes following a recommendation by Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi to the council calling for the extension of the mission, saying that it would enable the full deployment necessary to accomplish its mandate.
Further, NPS said that the UN Security Council has expressed the intention to consider a UN Peace Operation to support the Haitian National Police (HNP) to maintain security, in order to sustain the gains made by the MSS mission.
“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to international law enforcement, working closely with the people of Haiti, and partners supporting the MSS to ensure peace and security in Haiti,” the statement adds.
Mudavadi urges UN Security Council to extend MSS mission
The decision by the UN Security Council to extend the mission comes after Mudavadi in a statement on September 26 said that he had urged the Council to consider extending the mission for another year.
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PCS Musalia 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.
He urged the Council to explore innovative approaches for the UN to provide the essential resources required to sustain and build upon the progress made by the MSS mission.
The PCS further highlighted that Kenyan police officers in collaboration with HNP has 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.
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Mudavadi 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.
Ruto announces commitment to deploy more officers in Haiti
The extension of the mission also comes after President William Ruto announced his government’s commitment to deploy more police officers in Haiti following his visit to the troubled Caribbean nation.
Speaking on Saturday, September 21, Ruto said Kenya stands ready to offer further support that will accelerate Haiti’s transition to peace and stability.
In addition, Ruto while addressing the United Nations General Assembly said that Kenya, other Caribbean and African countries are ready to deploy more officers but are hindered by insufficient equipment and funding.
“I appeal to all member states to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti by providing necessary support, either directly to MSS-contributing countries or through the UN Trust Fund,” said the President.
He, however, emphasized that Kenya will deploy the additional contingent towards attaining the target of all 2500 police officers by January next year.
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