President William Ruto has announced significant progress in Haiti’s security situation following the deployment of Kenyan security forces, as part of a multinational mission aimed at restoring stability in the Caribbean nation.
Speaking alongside Haitian Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille during a joint press briefing at State House, Nairobi, Ruto highlighted key successes, including the recapture of critical infrastructure and a shift in momentum in Haiti’s battle against violent gangs.
“Our officers, in collaboration with the Haitian National Police, have already recaptured key sites, including the General Hospital and the National Palace, providing a glimpse of the stability that lies ahead,” Ruto said, noting that the mission has brought a renewed sense of hope to the Haitian people.
Kenya’s role in the security operation follows its leadership in rallying global support for Haiti at the United Nations last year. In June 2024, Kenya sent its first contingent of officers, with a total deployment of nearly 400 to date. Ruto confirmed that an additional 600 officers are currently completing pre-deployment training and will be ready for duty by next month.
The President’s remarks came at a time when international attention is focused on Haiti’s prolonged instability, marked by rampant gang violence and widespread economic dislocation. According to the Haitian Prime Minister, nearly half of Haiti’s population faces food insecurity, and 600,000 people remain displaced. Conille praised Kenya’s swift action and leadership, stating, “Kenya helped us tell the world that Haitian men and women who are suffering deserve solidarity, and they have stepped up in a very significant way.”
The multinational security mission is the result of a UN Security Council resolution, which authorized the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti to tackle escalating violence. The mission’s mandate was recently extended for another year, signaling strong global support. However, Ruto was quick to point out the critical need for further international action, warning that financial and logistical gaps could stall progress.
“The adoption of the resolution is a positive step, but words and pledges must be matched by concrete action,” Ruto said. “We strongly implore our global partners to accelerate their contributions in terms of personnel, logistics, and financial resources necessary to sustain and expand this mission.”
Despite the success on the ground, Ruto emphasized that much more needs to be done. He called on international partners, including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and El Salvador, which recently signed onto the mission, to intensify their efforts. “We have a window of success that is evident from the operations that have already been carried out,” Ruto said. “But we must act quickly and decisively to secure critical infrastructure and create safe spaces for people to return to their homes.”
The Haitian Prime Minister echoed these sentiments, urging the international community to fulfill its commitments. “Our partners will have to step up and meet the commitments they’ve made, and the time is now,” Conille said, highlighting that progress in Haiti’s security situation is contingent on continued international support.
Beyond security, Ruto and Conille discussed opportunities for economic collaboration between Kenya and Haiti, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Ruto expressed a vision of closer ties between Kenya, Haiti, and the broader Caribbean region, driven by shared values of democracy and the rule of law. “We envision a future where Kenya and Haiti, as well as the larger Caribbean region, are linked not only by shared values but also by dynamic economic exchanges,” Ruto said.
The leaders also touched on broader issues of global governance, with Ruto calling for reforms to international institutions to better reflect today’s realities. He advocated for stronger ties between the African Union and the Caribbean Community, describing the latter as the “sixth region of Africa.”
The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of Kenya’s commitment to Haiti’s recovery, and both leaders expressed optimism about the future. “The situation in Haiti is winnable,” Ruto declared. Conille, offering cautious optimism, added, “The Haitian people now have hope in what can be achieved.”
