Ruto urges stronger global backing for Haiti security mission

President William Ruto has called on the international community to strengthen support for Haiti, warning that failure to sustain gains made under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission could reverse progress.

Speaking in New York on Monday during a high-level event on Kenya’s leadership of the mission, Ruto said Haiti’s security situation had improved significantly since the deployment of international police units in June 2024.

“When we first stepped into Haiti, the airport had been surrounded by gangs. Today, the airport is operational, the presidential palace is secure, and schools and hospitals have reopened,” he said

Kenya leads the mission, whose deployment was authorised by the U.N. Security Council, with 735 officers out of a total 989, supported by contingents from Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Canada.

Ruto, however, noted that the force has been operating at only 40 percent capacity, lacking the expected 2,500 personnel, armoured vehicles, and adequate logistical support.

He criticised delays and inadequate resources, saying they put officers at risk.

“The people of Haiti deserve better. What is going on, that we cannot marshal support to drive out the gangs, is unacceptable,” Ruto said.

He paid tribute to three Kenyan officers who died while serving in Haiti and urged the U.N. to ensure a proper transition to a successor mission when the current mandate expires in the coming days.

“We will not walk away from Haiti in haste. If we do not transition properly, we may lose what we have achieved,” he said

The MSS mission, he added, must be anchored on a predictable resource package, a clear mandate, and broader international commitment to addressing Haiti’s root causes of instability.