Ruto assures Haiti of 'full support' as transitional presidential council takes over

Kenya has welcomed the swearing-in of the Haiti Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), promising to support it in its quest to liberate and lead the troubled Caribbean nation overrun by armed gangs.

In a statement on X on Friday, President William Ruto lauded the change of leadership, labelling it a crucial step in the political transition of Haiti. 

"The TPC has the singular task of moving speedily to re-establish key organs of the State critical to the restoration of law and order and necessary for the ushering of hope to all Haitians as prescribed by the Decree of April 12, 2024," said Ruto.

"In implementing the roadmap contained in this political accord, Kenya stands ready and willing- in concert with a broad alliance of nations in Africa and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) - committed to Haiti's stability, to rapidly execute the security support infrastructure envisaged under UN Security Council 2699 (2023). Kenya assures the TPC of Haiti of its full support as it shepherds the country through this complex interregnum."

The 9-member council officially took over on Thursday, formalizing the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Michel Patrick Boisvert, who served as Henry's finance minister, will act as interim prime minister until the transition council selects a new leader, forms a cabinet and establishes a provisional electoral council aimed at facilitating the country's upcoming 2026 elections.

The last time Haitians took to the polls was in November 2016.

Kenya has committed to deploy a contingent of 1,000 police officers to help train and assist Haitian police to restore normalcy in the country and protect strategic installations as part of a UN Security Council-backed mission.

In March, Ruto announced the signing of an agreement between Kenya and Haiti to facilitate Nairobi's involvement in the multinational security mission.

The signing of the agreement, witnessed by Ruto and then Prime Minister Henri, marked a crucial step towards the deployment of Kenyan troops to Port-au-Prince.