President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to promoting international peace and security, announcing plans to send additional police officers to Haiti as part of a multinational security support mission.
During his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Ruto confirmed that Kenya is on track to deploy 2,500 police officers to Haiti by January, describing the mission as a testament to achieving what was once deemed “mission impossible.”
This announcement follows Ruto’s recent visit to Haiti, where he evaluated the ongoing Kenya-led security operations.
His trip coincided with a warning from a UN expert about the increasing violence and instability in Haiti, highlighting the significant challenges faced by both the Haitian population and the international community in efforts to restore order.
Despite the deployment of Kenyan and other international police forces, Haiti continues to experience widespread insecurity.
Reports indicate that armed groups control around 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, severely impacting public safety and the rule of law.
This pervasive violence has contributed to a humanitarian crisis, with over 578,000 people internally displaced as of August, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Many families are living in dire conditions, waiting for a safe opportunity to return home as armed groups maintain their grip on the capital.
In his speech, Ruto stressed the urgent need for a coordinated international response to the complexities in Haiti, acknowledging the significant challenges posed by armed factions.
He emphasized the importance of ongoing support from the global community to help stabilize the nation.
“Our assistance to the Haitian National Police has notably advanced the pacification of urban areas, protected vital infrastructure, and liberated communities previously under the control of criminal gangs,” he stated.
Ruto expressed appreciation for the financial and logistical backing from the United States, Canada, and other nations, which have been essential for the deployment efforts.
However, he called for more support to adequately equip the Haitian National Police, urging all member states to assist either directly to countries contributing to the Multinational Security Support or through the UN Trust Fund.
Beyond the situation in Haiti, Ruto addressed broader global peace and security issues, highlighting the precarious state of international stability due to rising conflicts.
“The world is facing a challenging moment,” he remarked, pointing out how peace, security, and stability are increasingly threatened by great power rivalries, organized crime, and the spread of weapons.
Ruto’s commitment to Haiti aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to strengthen its role in international peacekeeping.
He noted Kenya’s involvement in various peace initiatives, including its support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which aims to stabilize the region against Al-Shabaab threats.
As the world faces numerous challenges, from geopolitical tensions to climate change, Ruto’s call for renewed international cooperation resonated deeply.
He urged nations to reassess their collaborative efforts, emphasizing that peace and development are interconnected goals that must be pursued together.
