With less than two weeks left before Kenya’s mandate in Haiti expires, President William Ruto has sharply criticised world leaders for failing to fully back the multinational security mission in the Caribbean nation.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on Haiti in New York on Monday, Mr Ruto said Kenya would only consider sending additional forces if the mandate was clearly defined and backed with reliable funding.
“If we are sending an additional team, the mandate must be clear. We must also have a predictable resource package,” he told delegates. “It cannot be what Kenya has been through, which is a game of guesswork, if we are serious about solving the matter of Haiti.”
Stalled Bases, Rising Threats
Kenya had planned to establish 12 new forward operating bases in Haiti, but Mr Ruto said the plan stalled because of logistical problems. The delay, he added, allowed armed groups to retake some of the areas previously secured by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) force.
The President accused the gangs of cowardice, claiming they had resorted to guerrilla tactics after suffering heavy blows in recent operations. “The gangs, in my opinion, are cowards who have literally gone into hiding, often resurfacing with guerrilla warfare tactics,” he said.
A Call for Global Action
Mr Ruto insisted Haitians deserved stronger backing from the international community. “The international community must stand up for the people of Haiti,” he urged, stressing that without robust logistical support, the mission would falter.
The United States has reportedly proposed doubling the size of the foreign force to more than 5,000 officers, with discussions under way over whether overall command should remain with Kenya.
Transition and Uncertainty
Mr Ruto cautioned against rushing into a leadership change without a clear transition framework. He warned that abandoning Haitians midway would undo recent gains.
Drawing on Kenya’s long record of involvement in more than 40 international peacekeeping missions, he affirmed that Nairobi remained committed to supporting Haiti. But he stressed that Kenya could not shoulder the burden alone.
Earlier this month, while attending the Africa-CARICOM summit in Ethiopia, Mr Ruto urged the United Nations Security Council to provide clarity on the future of the mission. He reiterated that the crisis in Haiti required urgent international support and a carefully managed transition.
For now, Kenya’s role hangs in the balance — dependent on whether the international community can match its calls for solidarity with action.
