Kenya Seeks To Extend Haiti Mission For 12 Months

The Kenya Kwanza administration has continued to push for the extension of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.

Speaking during a Ministerial Meeting on Building on Progress to Restore Security in Haiti on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasised the need to renew police tenure for 12 months.

Mudavadi noted that the 410 police officers deployed to Haiti have not fully achieved what was previously expected.

With the tenure of the mission expected to lapse at the start of October 2024, Mudavadi called on the Security Council to consider extending the mission.

Building a strong case for the extension, Mudavadi indicated that it would allow the country to deploy the full 2,500 police officers as agreed during the United Nations Security Council meeting which would then achieve the much-needed results in restoring peace in the Caribbean nation.

“However, I emphasized that with only 410 officers currently deployed out of the planned 2,500, there is a limit to what can be achieved. I called on the Security Council to consider extending the Mission for another year, enabling the full deployment necessary to accomplish its mandate,” a statement shared by Mudavadi read in part.

Resources

Besides extending the mission, Mudavadi called on the Security Council to explore ways of providing resources to help the law enforcement officers deployed to Haiti to fulfil their mandate.

“I urged the Council to explore innovative approaches for the United Nations to provide the essential resources required to sustain and build upon the progress made by the MSS,” Mudavadi’s statement added.

While pushing for the extension and more resources, Mudavadi told several diplomatic heads and members of the UN Security Council that the Kenyan police officers have so demonstrated that it is possible to restore lasting peace in Haiti.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary observed that since Kenyan police officers landed in Haiti, they have taken control of Port-au-Prince, including downtown, and have significantly bolstered the protection of civilians.

He further detailed that the security officers have played an integral role in clearing roadblocks and opening access routes, thereby facilitating a smoother flow of humanitarian aid to those in need.

Ruto visiting Haiti

Mudavadi’s sentiments came days after President William Ruto visited the Kenyan police officers in Haiti before heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During his visit, Ruto indicated that he was open to converting it into a full UN peacekeeping mission.

“On the suggestion to transit this into a fully U.N. Peacekeeping mission, we have absolutely no problem with it, if that is the direction the U.N. security council wants to take,” Ruto said.

The 15-member council is expected to vote on September 30, 2024, on the mandate renewal.