Kenya’s Head of State, President William Ruto, has made a landmark journey to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, marking his first visit to the Caribbean nation since assuming office in 2022.
This significant trip comes precisely 100 days after the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti as part of a crucial peacekeeping mission.
Official Statement and Purpose of Visit
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed officially announced the President’s arrival, stating:
“President William Ruto arrives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 100 days after flagging off the Kenyan police contingent of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti.”
Hussein elaborated on the multifaceted objectives of President Ruto’s visit:
- To evaluate the progress of the MSS mission
- To commend the Kenyan contingent collaborating with Haitian counterparts
- To engage with the Transitional Presidential Council, led by H.E. Edgard LeBlanc
- To meet with members of the Haitian Cabinet
President Ruto shared that the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti has yielded positive results since deployment. He said,
“In my engagement with the Transitional Presidential Council led by President Edgard Le Leblanc and other stakeholders, I have urged them to take advantage of this relative calm to drive the momentum for progressive change.”
A key aspect of the President’s itinerary involves direct interaction with the deployed Kenyan police officers.
These peacekeepers, noted for their high morale, are dedicated to the critical tasks of restoring peace and combating the pervasive gang violence plaguing Haiti.
Diplomatic Relations and Mission Extension
President Ruto’s visit also serves to bolster bilateral ties between Kenya and Haiti.
While the current peacekeeping mission is slated to conclude in October 2024, there are strong indications that the UN Security Council will extend it for an additional year, given the persistent threat posed by gang activities.
Following his diplomatic mission in Haiti, President Ruto is scheduled to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, further emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to international cooperation and peacekeeping efforts.
Kenyan Police Achievements in Haiti
The Kenyan peacekeeping contingent has already made significant strides in their mission. In collaboration with Haitian security forces, they have successfully reclaimed control of a strategic location:
Auorite Portuaire Nationale (APN): This key port in Port-au-Prince was liberated from dangerous gangs following an intense confrontation, marking a crucial victory in the ongoing efforts to restore stability to the Haitian capital.
