President William Ruto has urged the UN Security Council to renew the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission’s (MSS) mandate in Haiti.
The current mandate is set to expire in October 2024, having started in July 2024.
Speaking on Monday, September 23, 2024, during the leader-level meeting of the ECOSOC ad hoc advisory group on Haiti, Ruto commended the strides made by the mission against gangs in the Caribbean country.
“I commend Prime Minister Garry Conille for his leadership as Haiti takes important steps toward long-term recovery and stability. Just two days ago, I visited Port-au-Prince and engaged with Haitian political leaders and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) personnel. I left with renewed hope. The Haitian people and leadership are united in their determination to break from the past and chart a new future for their country,” Ruto stated.
“The MSS deployment has already begun to yield significant positive outcomes. In just 100 days, we’ve seen the reopening of the airport, resumption of flights, and the retaking of Port-au-Prince’s main hospital— reviving economic activity and hope.”
Ruto has also urged the international community to intensify its support by contributing funds, equipment, and logistics to the mission.
“To secure Haiti’s future, the UN Security Council must renew the MSS Mission mandate to ensure continued progress toward lasting security for the Haitian people. Additionally, innovative ways to resource the Mission should be explored,” he stated.
“The international community must intensify its support by contributing funds, equipment, and logistics. I thank the United States, Canada, and the other contributing partners. I commend Haiti’s leadership for supporting the MSS Mission and driving socio-economic transformation.”
MSS operations in Haiti
In its latest update, MSS said their operations targeted gang-controlled areas including Port-Au-Prince Downtown, Ganthier, Delmas, APN Port, Croix des Bouquets and Tabare Carrefour areas.
“The joint security operations saw the destruction and removal of several barricades that enabled the clearance of roads that gangs had blocked. A double wall erected by the ‘400 Mawazo’ gang on the National Road #8 in Croix-Des-Bouquets was completely put down. This has since enabled free traffic flow of vehicles and the local population,” MSS stated.
MSS also confirmed that several arrests were made with some weapons recovered from the gangs. The arrests include the arrest of two “Chen Mechan and Pierre 6” gang members who are still in police custody.
“Some of the key areas that the joint operations have been able to recapture and maintain dominance patrols include various streets in Delmas that include Delmas 33,31,24,22,20,18,16,14,12,10,8,6 and 4 that were completely gang-dominated prior to the operations where both vehicular and human traffic had been cut off with locals deserting these areas,” MSS added.
Ruto’s promise on Haiti mission
Speaking on Saturday in Port-Au-Prince where he met police officers involved in the mission, Ruto said Kenya stands ready to offer any further support that will accelerate Haiti’s transition to peace and stability.
“Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks’ time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” he said.
Kenya dispatched the first contingent in June 2024.
“Today, there are nearly 400 officers on the ground, working hand-in-hand with Haitian forces to protect the people and restore security,” he added.
