Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that Kenya’s forthcoming deployment to Haiti will focus on dismantling gangs that have devastated the country. Speaking during a state visit to Washington, D.C., Ruto emphasized the mission’s objective to restore order in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence and instability.
President Joe Biden praised Kenya’s commitment to the mission and assured that the United States would provide necessary intelligence and equipment to aid in stabilizing Haiti. “This is a crisis. It’s able to be dealt with,” Biden asserted, acknowledging Kenya’s “first-rate capability” to lead this international effort.
Ruto made it clear that Kenya and the coalition of nations involved would operate within legal boundaries to firmly and decisively address the gang crisis. He stressed that the initiative was driven by Kenya’s desire to foster global peace and stability. “Gangs and criminals do not have status. They have no religion,” Ruto stated, underlining the mission’s resolve to end the suffering caused by these groups in Haiti.
The Biden administration had sought a leading nation for this mission while avoiding direct U.S. military involvement, considering the historical context of American interventions in Haiti. Biden highlighted the importance of international assistance without the perception of American imposition. “We’re in a situation where we want to do all we can without us looking like America, once again, is stepping over and deciding this is what must be done,” he explained.
Ruto clarified that Kenya’s decision to deploy troops to Haiti was independent and reflected the country’s commitment to global responsibility. This mission aligns with Kenya’s broader objective of promoting peace and stability worldwide, underscoring its role as a responsible global citizen.
The collaboration between Kenya and the United States in addressing Haiti’s security crisis represents a significant step towards restoring peace in the troubled nation. The mission, backed by strong international support and strategic planning, aims to dismantle the gangs that have caused widespread suffering in Haiti, offering hope for a more stable and secure future.
