Ruto calls for global aid as Kenya readies 600 additional police officers for Haiti mission

President William Ruto has called on the international community to provide necessary resources to support the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.

Speaking in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, Ruto emphasised the importance of providing personnel, equipment, and logistics to accelerate the mission's goal of restoring peace and stability in the troubled nation.

The President visited Haiti to meet police officers involved in the mission and also held discussions with President Edgard Le Leblanc of the Transitional Presidential Council.

“I came here especially to know about your progress so that friends and partners who believe in stability and peace can work with me at the United Nations General Assembly to ensure that you get the requisite support to deliver,” Ruto told the officers.

President Ruto commended the mission’s achievements under the leadership of Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, highlighting the tangible progress made in restoring peace and stability.

He noted that the mission has inspired hope among the Haitian people, urging local leaders and citizens to take advantage of the current calm to push for meaningful change.

“The mission is here to create an environment where you can reclaim your nation’s safety and security and determine your future,” he said.

Restoring peace

The President also praised the officers for their dedication, particularly in securing vital infrastructure and restoring peace in regions that had previously been difficult to stabilise.

“There are many people who thought Haiti was a mission impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made,” he said.

Ruto thanked Haiti's political leadership, including President Le Leblanc, Prime Minister Cornille, and his Cabinet, for their cooperation with the security mission. He assured them that Kenya remains ready to offer further assistance to ensure the country's peaceful transition.

“Our next batch, an additional 600 officers, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” he said.

Kenya deployed its first group of officers to Haiti in June 2024, and currently, nearly 400 officers are on the ground working alongside Haitian forces.

Ruto acknowledged that Kenya's decision to send forces to Haiti had raised questions, but defended it as a commitment to international peace and security.

“We are here because we share your aspiration for freedom and self-determination. Together, we are working to create a future where the Haitian people can chart their own path,” he said.

Drawing on Kenya's extensive peacekeeping experience, with involvement in 46 missions worldwide, Ruto expressed confidence in the mission's eventual success.

“Each mission posed unique challenges—different cultures, languages, and terrains—but none of these obstacles prevented success. Haiti will be no different,” he said.

The President further vowed to continue advocating for Haiti on the global stage, condemning the neglect and exploitation the country has faced.

“The neglect, exploitation, and underinvestment Haiti has suffered is unacceptable. It is our shared duty to demand better,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of global attention to Haiti’s needs, stating, “As the lead nation, Kenya will be calling attention to the need to seize the opportunity of the last few weeks to realise the mandate of UNSC resolution 2699.”