President Ruto Announces Progress In Plan To Deploy Kenyan Police To Haiti

March 1, 2024
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By Moses Muli

Published: March,1 2024 3:47 PM(EAT)

President William Ruto has announced the signing of an agreement between Kenya and Haiti to facilitate Kenya’s involvement in the multinational security support mission to Haiti.

The signing of the agreement, witnessed by Ruto and Prime Minister Ariel Henri on Friday, marks a crucial step towards the deployment of Kenyan police officers to lead the international mission authorized by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699.

President Ruto expressed Kenya’s commitment to spearheading the coordination of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, in response to the call from member States.

“Kenya, having been requested by member States, accepted to lead the coordination of this international mission,” he stated.

Preparations for the deployment have been underway since the adoption of Resolution 2699 on October 2, 2023. This includes the authorization procedures, preparation of mission documents, engagement with member States, and the approval of the deployment by Kenya’s National Security Council, Cabinet, and Parliament.

“We have witnessed the signing of this instrument,” President Ruto announced, indicating the completion of a crucial legal requirement for the deployment. “We have also discussed the next steps to enable the fast-tracking of the deployment.”

Highlighting Kenya’s commitment, President Ruto emphasized the historic duty to contribute to the success of the multinational mission in Haiti. “Peace in Haiti is good for the world as a whole,” he affirmed.

On October 13, 2023, the National Security Council and Cabinet approved the deployment of 1,000 police officers. Further, on November 16, 2023, Parliament unanimously approved this deployment.

However, the High Court in Nairobi stopped the planned mission after determining the need for a reciprocal instrument between Kenya and Haiti to enable this deployment.

The mission aims to address the complex challenges facing the country and pave the way for sustainable peace and development.

Meanwhile a wave of panic swept through downtown Port-au-Prince on Thursday as violence and heavy gunfire broke out, in what a gang leader said was a demonstration against authorities.

The armed clashes involving gangs, police and vigilantes took place on the same day Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry arrived in Kenya for talks on the deployment of a multinational security mission in the country backed by the United Nations.

By midday, most institutions and businesses in the city had closed and thousands of people were trying to flee the downtown area on foot or public transport, witnesses said.

Special police units were deployed throughout the city and national police trade union SYNAPOHA said four officers had been killed, including a chief inspector.

Haitian airline Sunrise Airways halted flights as violence flared, a company spokesperson said, adding shootouts near the capital’s airport had put people in danger.

Violent gangs have since expanded their territory and are now estimated to control most of the capital. The U.N. estimates the conflict killed close to 5,000 people last year and has driven some 300,000 from their homes, while the fighting has blocked off access to food and medical services.

A U.N. spokesperson on Thursday said five countries had formally notified the United Nations of their intent to contribute personnel to the international force, which Henry had urgently requested back in 2022. The countries are Bahamas, Barbados, Bangladesh and Chad.

President Ruto Announces Progress In Plan To Deploy Kenyan Police To Haiti

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