The Kenya Kwanza administration is advocating for the extension of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. During a Ministerial Meeting on Building on Progress to Restore Security in Haiti on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stressed the importance of renewing the police deployment for an additional 12 months.
Mudavadi pointed out that the current deployment of 410 police officers has not fully met the anticipated objectives. With the mission set to expire at the beginning of October 2024, he urged the Security Council to consider extending the mission.
He argued that an extension would enable Kenya to deploy the full contingent of 2,500 police officers, as initially agreed upon during the United Nations Security Council discussions.
“However,” Mudavadi noted, “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,” he stated in a released statement.
In addition to seeking an extension, Mudavadi called on the Security Council to identify ways to provide additional resources to assist the deployed law enforcement officers in fulfilling 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,” he added.
While advocating for the extension and more resources, Mudavadi shared with diplomatic heads and UN Security Council members that Kenyan police officers have proven that it is possible to restore lasting peace in Haiti. He observed that since their arrival, the officers have gained control over Port-au-Prince, including the downtown area, significantly enhancing civilian protection.
Furthermore, Mudavadi highlighted the security personnel’s critical role in clearing roadblocks and reopening access routes, thereby facilitating smoother humanitarian aid delivery 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.
