In a high-level UN plenary held in New York, President William urged the global community to ramp up their support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.
Speaking directly to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, Ruto elaborated on the situation in Haiti highlighting both the achievements as well as the daunting security challenges. He went on to mention Kenya’s leadership under UN Security Council Resolution 2699 stating that Kenya has so far achieved much success in its mission.
After the police contingent of 735 Kenyans was sent in June 2024, the MSS together with 260 personnel from Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Canada has managed to take over the main infrastructures in Port-au-Prince.
The President remarked that the airport, which is the hub of the city, is now fully functioning, roads previously under the control of the gangs leading to the local areas are now accessible, and the palace as well as the police headquarters have been secured. He went on to say that, in bridging the gap, schools and hospitals have reopened their doors, which is giving a ray of hope to the people of Haiti.
“When we first stepped into Haiti, the airport had been surrounded by gangs, and many people found it unsafe to land there. Today, the airport is operational, with passenger and cargo flights. We have driven the gangs out of the airport, and it’s a safe place. The presidential palace was under siege; today it is secure.” Ruto remarked
On the contrary, Ruto did not hesitate to point out the shortcomings of the unit. The mission is halfway towards the achievement of the full capacity work program with only 1,000 members present out of the planned 2,500. Very few armoured vehicles, operational bases, and logistics have put the group in a very precarious situation.
The worn-out automobiles which are likely to break down in the middle of dangerous areas and hence the staff become vulnerable, and there have been three Kenyan officers killed in that way.
He emphasized that if these difficult results are to be safeguarded, a steady supply of resources and a crystal-clear mandate are a must.
Addressing the issue of accountability and openness, Ruto dangled the carrot to the global partners to make good their promises.
“I believe the situation can be solved. It is not Mission Impossible. I believe the international community must do right by Haiti. The women and children deserve better. What is going on that we cannot marshal support to drive out the gangs is unacceptable, indefensible and simply wrong.” he said
He called for another mission to come after this one but with a clear mandate, steady funding, and well-thought-out bases to secure not only Port-au-Prince but also the areas that have been freed.
Ruto lauded the cooperation of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council but at the same time gave them a word of caution that only a constant international back-up can carry them through the rest of their journey. With the MSS mandate about to expire, the UN Security Council is at a crossroads as it contemplates whether to renew or wind up the mission.
Ruto’s plea highlights Kenya’s commitment to the stability of Haiti but global partners have to step up their game. The next few days will determine whether the international community is capable of providing the resources that are indispensable for conquering Haiti’s future.
