APRNEWS : President Ruto Calls On EU To Support Kenya's Haiti Mission

APRNEWS - President Ruto Calls On EU To Support Kenya's Haiti Mission

Friday, 24 November 2023

APRNEWS : President Ruto Calls On EU To Support Kenya's Haiti Mission

APRNEWS - President William Ruto has called on the European Union (EU) to formally back and support the deployment of approximately 1,000 Kenyan police officers to assist in a security mission aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti.

APRNEWS - Addressing the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday President Ruto highlighted the willingness of eight countries including Kenya to contribute forces, emphasizing the importance of international assurance.

“Currently, about eight countries, including Kenya, are willing to contribute their forces to Haiti, but there is a clear need for assurance of international support. The support from the EU will be instrumental in bolstering the initiative, providing the necessary resources and legitimacy,” he said.

During his visit to Germany on Monday, the President announced the European country’s commitment to support Kenya's mission to Haiti and peace efforts in the Horn of Africa, following talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“On the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa conference in Berlin, held talks with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz who pledged to support of Kenya’s mission to Haiti and peace in the Horn of Africa,” he wrote.

The Head of State, who is currently on the second day of his 4-day tour of France and Germany, emphasized the need for a multinational security mission of around 5,000 personnel to tackle the challenge posed by approximately 9,000 armed gangs in Haiti.

The deployment of the Kenyan police to Haiti which was approved by Parliament in November 16, comes with a cost of Ksh.36.5 billion, covering expenses such as training, administrative support, weaponry, ammunition and anti-riot equipment among others, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

CS Kindiki who made the announcement on November 9, also added that the funds are expected to be sourced from UN member states.

Furthermore, in his Parliamentary address, President Ruto also urged the EU to support Kenya's role in the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) fight against terrorism.

He noted that Kenya is a key contributor to regional peace and security, and will continue her collaboration with the Somali government in undertaking joint offensives against the Al-Shabaab terror group.

“The role of Kenya as a stable democracy and an anchor state for peace and security in the region becomes increasingly significant. As ATMIS is concluding, Kenya as a frontline State will continue our support and collaboration with the government in Somalia to the fight against terrorism. This ongoing commitment is crucial for maintaining regional stability and we count on the EU bilateral support to our efforts in this regard,” President Ruto said.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in October announced the complete withdrawal of all Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) involved in combating Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia by December 2024, following the ongoing drawdown strategy under the 'Somali transition plan,' aligning with UN Security Council resolutions.

According to the CS, the strategy aims to transfer security responsibilities to Somali security forces as ATMIS concludes its mission.