- Kenya has been picked to lead the year-long security mission.
- Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to contribute to the success of the multi-national mission.
Image: PCS
Kenya and Haiti on Friday signed an agreement on the deployment of 1,000 police officers to the Multi-National Security Support Mission to the Caribbean nation.
President William Ruto and Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry witnessed the signing ceremony in State House Nairobi.
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2699 on October 2, 2023, authorising a multinational security support mission to Haiti.
Kenya agreed to lead the coordination of the international mission after a request by member states.
“Pursuant to this resolution, preparations for the mission commenced, including the authorisation procedures, preparation of mission documents, including the concept of operations, conduct and discipline policy, status protection agreement and the directive on detention, searches and use of force,” Ruto said.
He added that there has also been extensive engagement with member States to translate global solidarity into concrete support for the Multinational Security Support Mission.
Ruto noted that 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.
He further noted that a petition was filed in court, which determined the need for a reciprocal instrument between Kenya and Haiti to enable the deployment.
“I am pleased to inform you that Prime Minister Ariel Henri and I have witnessed the signing of this instrument. We have also discussed the next steps to enable the fast-tracking of the deployment,” he said.
He reiterated Kenya’s commitment to contribute to the success of the multi-national mission.
“We believe this is a historic duty because peace in Haiti is good for the world as a whole,” he said.
In July 2023, Kenya pledged to offer 1,000 police officers after Haiti appealed for international help with security personnel to assist in its battle against gangs blamed for spiralling violence.
The United Nations estimates some 200,000 Haitians have been displaced during escalating violence, with armed gangs carrying out indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, gang rapes and torching people’s homes.
Many of the displaced are now sleeping outside or in makeshift settlements that are crowded and extremely unsanitary.
The UN's children's agency says nearly five million Haitians are going hungry, partly because of gang violence.
Armed clashes involving gangs, police and vigilantes took place on February 29, the day Henry arrived in Kenya for talks on the deployment