US pledges support for Kenya-led Haiti mission transition
By Nancy Marende, September 22, 2025The United States has pledged to rally international support for the transition of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, following an urgent appeal by President William Ruto.
Speaking during a high-level meeting on Haiti co-hosted by Kenya and the US at the United Nations headquarters in New York on September 22, 2025, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Washington, together with Panama, had worked with Haiti to introduce a UN Security Council resolution for a successor mission.
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Further, he stated that the proposed force would be a larger, 5,500-strong gang-suppression unit, backed by a UN support office.
“This effort responds to the call from our partners in Kenya and has the full endorsement of Haiti,” Landau said.
He also urged US allies to support the resolution before the current MSS mandate expires on October 2, 2025.
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He noted that all 32 members of the Organisation of American States had already signed a joint statement backing the proposal.
Ruto’s warning
On his part, President Ruto warned that without a clear transition plan, the progress made under the MSS would be undone.
He appealed to the international community to provide predictable financing, logistics, and a stronger mandate for the successor mission.
“It cannot be what Kenya has gone through, a game of guesswork depending on people’s goodwill. It must be predictable if we are serious about solving the matter in Haiti,” Ruto said.
The President highlighted the achievements of the MSS, including reopening Haiti’s main airport, reclaiming government institutions from gangs, restoring access to schools and hospitals, and securing vital ports.
“Today, the airport is operational, with passenger and cargo flights flying from and landing at the same airport,” he said.
Ruto also paid tribute to Kenyan police officers who died in the line of duty in Haiti, saying their sacrifice stood as a testament to Kenya’s commitment to global peace.
“We particularly honour three Kenyan officers – Samuel Tomoi Kaetuai, Benedict Kabiru, and Kennedy Nzuve – who lost their lives in the line of duty. May their precious souls rest in eternal peace,” he said.