- The Kenya-led International Security Assistance Mission (MSSM) in Haiti could be turned into a permanent peacekeeping mission
- President William Ruto hinted at the move after his phone conversation with US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken
- Ruto promised to send more officers to help the mission reach its target of 2,500 officers sent to fight militants in the Caribbean country
Nairobi—President William Ruto has hinted that the International Security Assistance Mission (MSSM) in Haiti will be converted into a permanent peacekeeping mission to bring stability to the Caribbean country.
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The President revealed that he discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken praised Ruto for his administration's commitment to lead efforts to free Haiti from the gangs that held the country hostage for some time.
“We discussed the change of the mission in the United Nations peacekeeping operation to strengthen the mission's ability to help stabilize Haiti,” said Ruto.
Blinken's comments during his phone call while Ruto seemed to address issues raised about the possibility of policy changes -which would adversely affect the mission- following the change of government in the United States following the victory of Donald Trump for the presidency.
Apart from the issue of Haiti, Ruto and Blinken discussed other issues concerning the two countries.
The President reiterated his government's determination to maintain relationship present and partner in strengthening good governance for the benefit of citizens in both countries.
“Kenya and United States continue to work together to strengthen our partnership to ensure governance is strengthened. This includes the fight against corruption and the provision of capacity building to make our security institutions more efficient, effective and accountable in the execution of their duties,” he said. Ruto.
This comes months after Ruto committed to deploying more law enforcement officers Kenya in Haiti to reinforce troops already on the ground, as he also called for more funding to sustain the operation.
Speaking on Thursday, September 26, during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ruto praised the success of the security teams several months after they were deployed to the Caribbean country.
What Ruto witnessed in his surprise visit to Haiti
TUKO.co.ke understands that the mission in Haiti is supported by the United Nations and aims to arrest lawlessness, which is characterized by gang violence, in the cities and large urban areas of Haiti.
Ruto, who was recently in Port-au-Prince, observed that troops under the MSS have so far succeeded in capturing infrastructure and essential services from the gangs and even freed many citizens who were previously detained.
The previous statement will be the basis for the president of Kenya to request funds to facilitate the deployment of more officers to Haiti.
He said a consistent approach by multi-faceted security officials will rid Port-au-Prince of gangs and facilitate free, fair and democratic elections in the future.
The President saw that funding and lack of equipment were the main obstacles to liberating Haiti, thus calling for more help from partners.
During his visit suddenly In Port-au-Prince, Ruto announced 600 more officers will be sent to Haiti to support the nearly 400 who flew in in June; this would help achieve the target of 2,500 required officers.
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