President Ruto calls on EU to support Kenya's Haiti mission
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.
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.
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