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Kenya's Bold Bid: Ruto Rallies Global Support for Haiti Peace Mission Extension

Published 1 week ago3 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Kenya's Bold Bid: Ruto Rallies Global Support for Haiti Peace Mission Extension

President William Ruto, speaking at a high-level event on the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, issued an urgent call for the international community to bolster logistical support for Haiti’s security operations. Ruto highlighted that the mission, particularly Kenya's deployment, has been operating at only 40 percent capacity. This significant underperformance is attributed to weak supply systems, which have left officers vulnerable in hostile zones and restricted the expansion of operations.

Ruto expressed dismay over the inadequate equipment provided, stating, “It was expected there would have been force multipliers, armoured vehicles and logistical support to make the mission successful. Unfortunately, most of the vehicles we received were second-hand, and they broke down and put our people in grave danger in hostile areas.” He further revealed that plans to establish 12 operating bases in areas reclaimed from gangs could not proceed because essential supplies, including equipment and food, remained stranded in Port-au-Prince due to a flawed logistical support architecture. “We must be serious. The people of Haiti deserve better,” Ruto asserted.

Despite these formidable challenges, President Ruto outlined notable progress achieved under the MSS since Kenya's initial deployment of 200 officers in June 2024. He confirmed that the airport, previously besieged by gangs, is now operational. The presidential palace and police headquarters have been secured, the police academy has restarted training and recently graduated 750 officers, ports have reopened, and schools and hospitals are functioning once more. Ruto confidently declared, “The gangs are cowards. With very minimal intervention, they have gone into hiding. The situation can and must be solved. It is not Mission Impossible.”

Looking ahead, the President urged the UN Security Council to ensure that any successor mission is endowed with a clear mandate, predictable resources, and robust logistical backing to prevent any regression. He also commended the Haitian government and police leadership for their close collaboration with the Kenyan-led forces in reclaiming vital installations from gangs. Ruto concluded by paying tribute to the mission's personnel: “As the curtain draws on the MSS, I salute all the gallant men and women in the mission for their sacrifice, diligence and service, not only to the Haitian people but also to humanity. They overcame tremendous odds to deliver on an onerous but vitally important mandate.”

In related developments, the Kenyan-led peace mission in Haiti may be extended beyond its initial October 2, 2025, deadline. This potential extension stems from a deal being advanced by the United States in cooperation with Panama. Reports indicate that Donald Trump’s administration is actively mobilizing partners to urgently endorse a critical resolution. This resolution would pave the way for a United Nations Security Council resolution to establish a more extensive gang-suppression force in Haiti, underscoring the ongoing need for international intervention in the country, as tragically evidenced by events such as the funeral ceremony of policeman Arisnord Descobeth, killed in Debussy on June 21, 2025.

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