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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Sept 21 (HaitiWire) – Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday the deployment of 600 additional soldiers to Haiti, reinforcing Kenya’s role in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission aimed at curbing gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
Ruto made the announcement during a visit to Port-au-Prince, where he was received by Haitian officials, including Edgard Leblanc Fils, President of the Transitional Presidential Council, and Normil Rameau, Director of the National Police. This marks Kenya’s most significant involvement in the ongoing international mission, which was approved by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023 following a formal request from the Haitian government.
“The deployment of these additional forces will significantly enhance security in key areas, including the national airport, government buildings, and critical infrastructure,” Ruto said in a press briefing. He noted that, while the mission has faced skepticism due to the slow deployment of the originally proposed 2,500 personnel, progress is being made with the current 400 Kenyan forces already on the ground.
Kenya leads the MSS mission, tasked with supporting the Haitian police in their fight against heavily armed gangs that have taken control of large parts of the country. The violence has displaced nearly 700,000 people, worsened the humanitarian situation, and led to political instability in a country already struggling with economic hardship.
Call for UN Peacekeeping Transition
Ruto’s visit comes as the MSS mission approaches a critical juncture. Its mandate, initially set for 12 months, is due to expire in early October, and discussions are underway at the UN Security Council to extend it for another year. A draft resolution, circulated by the United States and Ecuador, proposes not only renewing the mandate but also transitioning the MSS mission into a full UN peacekeeping operation.
“We are fully open to transitioning this mission into a formal UN peacekeeping operation if that is the direction the Security Council wishes to take,” Ruto said.
The MSS mission has encountered delays, particularly in the arrival of additional troops and vital equipment. While several countries have pledged to contribute forces, only a fraction of the promised 2,500 personnel have been deployed so far, raising concerns about the mission’s efficacy.
Escalating Violence
The situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate despite the international intervention. Armed gangs control significant parts of Port-au-Prince and other regions, leading to widespread violence, kidnappings, and extortion. The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in Haiti warned this week that conditions have worsened, with over 700,000 people now internally displaced.
Ruto expressed optimism that the arrival of additional Kenyan forces will help improve the situation on the ground. “We have already secured several key installations, and our next focus will be reopening vital roadways to allow greater mobility and access throughout the country,” he said.
However, he emphasized that continued international support and resources are critical to the mission’s success. “The security challenges in Haiti are complex, and we will need more equipment and manpower to fully restore order,” Ruto added.
The Security Council is expected to vote on the mandate extension and potential transition to a peacekeeping operation by the end of September.
