We shall succeed in Haiti, Ruto says ahead of police deployment

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto is optimistic that the Kenyan-led security mission in Haiti will succeed, 'against all odds.'

In a statement on Tuesday, the Head of State said the situation in Haiti demands a humanitarian consideration amid gang violence in the Caribbean country.

“We shall succeed in Haiti. We must not fail the people of Haiti,” said the president.

On Monday, the 15-member United Nations (UN) Security Council adopted a resolution that authorizes the Kenya-led multinational security support mission, to support Haiti police in combating the gangs.

The resolution was adopted by 13 member states of the UN security council, after Russia and China abstained from the vote.

“The situation in Haiti demands, as a matter of humanitarian consideration, moral responsibility and fundamental justice, that actions be scaled up significantly to meet the demands of emergency relief, humanitarian aid, support for livelihoods and major interventions in public health and environmental protection,” Ruto said.

“For us in Kenya, this mission is of special significance and critical urgency. We experienced the harrowing brunt of colonialism, as well as the long, difficult and frustrating struggle for freedom against those that can influence international institutions to frustrate justice."

“In our struggle, we always had friends, not an overwhelming multitude of powerful allies, yet nevertheless true, loyal and determined friends. The people of Haiti, our dear friends, today stand in need. It is our fundamental moral obligation to be their friend indeed, by standing with them," he added.

The Kenyan police led mission will commence in January, 2024 and will run for a year, with a review after 9 months.

Kenya has pledged a 1,000 police officers for the mission, with other nations like Equator, Jamaica and Bahamas also pledging a considerable number of officers to help in the security operation.

Gangs aligned with political parties have reportedly strengthened their grip on the country since the 2021 assassination of then president Jovenel Moise.