- He went on to say that it will also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the citizens of Haiti.
- "This mandate is not only about Peace and Security, but also about the rebuilding of Haiti – its politics, its economic development, and social stability.
Image: ALFRED MUTUA /X
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua now says that the move to deploy Kenyan police to Haiti is not only about peace and security.
In a statement shortly after the United Nations Security Council voted to allow Kenyan troops into the Caribbean country, Mutua said that it is also about rebuilding Haiti.
He said that it would also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the citizens of Haiti.
"This mandate is not only about Peace and Security, but also about the rebuilding of Haiti – its politics, its economic development, and social stability," Mutua said.
"It is the beginning of a new chapter for the fathers, mothers and children of Haiti. It’s for the posterity of Haiti and a force for good for global Peace and Security. History will judge all of us kindly."
The CS called on international partners of goodwill to put together effective multinational support for the mission.
"I thank the United Nations Security Council #UNSC for adopting the Resolution that gives the mandate to intervene in Haiti to help our suffering brothers and sisters. I thank all those that have constructively participated to make the resolution fit for purpose and the effective networking that has gone on," Mutua said.
On Monday, the UNSC approved a yearlong multinational security mission for Haiti, led by Kenya, to crack down on rampant gang violence that has unravelled life for many in the Caribbean nation.
The 15-member Council voted to authorize a mission that would guard critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals and key traffic intersections.
The Council voted 13 in favour of the resolution, with Russia and China abstaining.
Russia and China’s abstentions suggested that neither country endorsed the resolution but they were not going to block it.
Kenya has pledged at least 1,000 police officers, and several other nations are expected to offer other resources.
Kenya will now deploy its force to Haiti by January 2024.
Reports suggest gangs aligned with political parties have strengthened their grip on the country since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
No municipal, legislative or parliamentary elections have been held in years, creating a power vacuum.