President William Ruto has expressed confidence that Kenyan police officers will succeed in restoring order in Haiti.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 3, the President welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s approval of a Multinational Security Support Mission to reinforce the Haiti National Police promising that the operation will be a game changer.
“We shall succeed in Haiti. We must not fail the people of Haiti,” the statement read in part.
President Ruto observed that the Haiti mission is of special significance to Kenya and of critical urgency.
“We experienced the harrowing brunt of colonialism, as well as the long, difficult and frustrating struggle for freedom against those that can influence international institutions to frustrate justice,” said Ruto.
Read More
He added, “In our struggle, we always had friends, not an overwhelming multitude of powerful allies, yet nevertheless true, loyal and determined friends. The people of Haiti, our dear friends, today stand in need. It is our fundamental moral obligation to be their friend indeed, by standing with them.”
The Head of State went on to say Kenya cannot turn away from Haiti as it possesses excellent international peace-mediating, peace-making, peace-building and peace-keeping credentials.
“From East Timor and the former Yugoslavia to Eritrea and Angola all the way to Sierra Leone, we have always stood ready and willing to do our part to bring peace, security, and stability. This is why we cannot turn away from Haiti. Doing nothing in the face of human suffering is therefore absolutely out of the question,” Ruto stated.
UNSC on Monday approved the Haiti mission after thirteen countries voted in favor of it while Russia and China abstained.
The council at the same time extended UN arms embargo to all Haiti gangs following a push from Beijing.
Kenya which will lead the mission will send one thousand police officers while the Bahamas will send one hundred and fifty troops. Other countries in the multi-national mission include; Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda.
The mission is scheduled to begin by January 2024.
