President William Ruto has called on the international community to provide the requisite resources to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti.
Ruto said the support, which includes personnel, equipment and logistics, will fast-track the realisation of the mission's objective of restoring peace and stability in the nation.
The President spoke in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, where he met police officers involved in the Mission.
“I came here specially 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 make sure that you get the requisite support to ensure that you deliver,” he said.
He insisted that the international community must pay attention to needs in Haiti, adding that the Mission has injected hope in Haitian people.
“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 res 2699,” Ruto said.
He said the Mission, under the Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, has made tangible progress in the restoration of peace and stability in the country.
The President also met President Edgard Le Leblanc, the Transitional Presidential Council.
He urged Haitian leaders, the people, especially women and youth, the civic sector, business and private sector to take advantage of the relative calm to drive the momentum for progressive 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.
Ruto commended MSS officers for outstanding work in securing critical infrastructure and restoring peace in regions that had proven impossible to stabilise in previous operations, as well as the Caribbean country’s leadership.
“There are many people who thought Haiti was mission impossible but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made.
“I extend my thanks to President Le Leblanc, Prime Minister Cornille and his Cabinet for their steadfast guidance and assistance throughout this process,” he added.
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment and readiness to offer any further support that will accelerate Haiti’s transition to peace and stability.
“Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks’ time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” he said.
Kenya dispatched the first contingent in June 2024.
