World must not abandon Haitian people, Ruto says as mission ends

President William Ruto has stated that Kenya will not hasten its departure from Haiti, stressing that the Haitian people deserve a proper and dignified transition. He called on the international community to stand in solidarity with Haiti as the country struggles to restore peace and order.

Addressing a High-Level Meeting on Haiti at the United Nations General Assembly headquarters in New York on Monday, President Ruto urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to handle the Haitian crisis with the seriousness it deserves in order to return the country to normalcy.

“What is happening in Haiti is unacceptable,” the President told the meeting, noting that gangs in the war-torn country have resorted to guerrilla warfare after being driven out of key installations in Port-au-Prince.

“The Multinational Security Mission (MSM) has successfully dislodged gangs from the airport, which is now safe. The Presidential Palace is now under the protection of our forces, and the police headquarters, which had previously been overrun by gangs, is also secure. These are some of the gains made so far,” said Ruto.

He explained that Kenya chose to lead the Multinational Security Mission in Haiti to restore peace, a task that many had dismissed as a “mission impossible.” Currently, 989 Kenyan peacekeepers are deployed in the country, helping to maintain law and order.

Ruto said he had visited Port-au-Prince last year to gain firsthand insight into the situation and was convinced that the mission was feasible. He said the airport, previously surrounded by gangs, is now operational, and health facilities have become accessible to the population.

“The crisis in Haiti must be resolved. As we work on arrangements for a successor mission, given that the mandate of the MSM ends on 2nd October, Kenya remains ready to continue its engagement in this peace initiative,” said Ruto.

The President emphasised that any extension or successor mission must have a clear mandate and a defined support package. He cautioned against relying solely on goodwill, as Kenya has had to do in leading the current mission, which he said has been successful despite resistance.

He stressed the need for adequate logistical support for the operation, particularly as discussions around expanding the mandate are ongoing. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure a successful transition, saying stability in Haiti would be a victory for the entire global community.

Ruto also paid tribute to Kenyan security officers who have lost their lives while serving in Haiti, acknowledging their bravery and professionalism. He praised the entire contingent for instilling a renewed sense of hope among Haitians.

“I am very grateful to the Presidential Transitional Council in Haiti. The achievements of the Multinational Security Mission are remarkable. I commend all countries and stakeholders who have supported this mission, which has registered success so far,” said Ruto.

United States Assistant Secretary of State Chris Landel thanked Kenya for its leadership in spearheading the Multinational Security Mission.

Landel noted that the United States and Panama are working closely with Haiti to introduce a United Nations Security Council resolution to establish a larger gang suppression force. This force would be given a clear mandate and the necessary resources to carry out a robust offensive against gangs terrorising the population.

Despite Kenya’s commendable contribution, Landel pointed out that the mission currently lacks a comprehensive mandate. He urged all international partners to support the proposed resolution before the MSM’s current mandate expires on October 2.

“The new security force will comprise more than 5,000 personnel, with a mandate to target gangs, reduce their territorial control, and secure critical infrastructure in Haiti. This will help make the country safer for its citizens, who have suffered under gang control for far too long,” said Landel.