US President Joe Biden welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House for a three-day state visit starting May 22, 2024. The meeting takes on particular significance as Nairobi, in partnership with the US and other international actors, finalizes the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Joe Biden highlighted the 60-year partnership between the two nations and highlighted Kenyan support for democracy.
During this visit, President Ruto affirmed that Kenya’s participation in this mission is part of a tradition of peacekeeping. “We are going to Haiti because we believe that the children of Haiti need help,” Ruto said, highlighting Kenya’s many previous peace missions. Kenya is mobilizing to provide essential humanitarian aid to Haiti, in the grip of a major security crisis.
However, logistical difficulties, particularly in the acquisition of armored vehicles and helicopters, could postpone the mission until early June, initially scheduled for May 23. The recently established Haitian National Security Council will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the security aspects of this mission, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2699.
Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting this deployment. Meanwhile, the situation in Haiti remains critical with gangs controlling large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Mackenson PHANOR
