Conference remarks · 11 October 2024
Today, as I stand alongside my esteemed counterpart, His Excellency Garry Conille, Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti, I am reminded of a commitment made before the world. Last year, at the United Nations General Assembly, I pledged that Kenya would lead the international response to Haiti’s urgent call for support in restoring safety and security for its people.
I urged the UN Security Council to establish a framework to enable this vital mission. On 2nd October 2023, that framework was realised when the Security Council authorised the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti. Kenya immediately answered this call.
On 24th June 2024, I had the honour of flagging off the first contingent of Kenyan officers, followed by a second deployment shortly thereafter, bringing the current total to nearly 400 officers. Already, this mission is showing positive results, restoring hope and providing a glimpse of the stability that lies ahead.
Our meeting today marks a significant step forward as we reaffirm our commitment to peace, progress and partnership. I am pleased to announce that an additional 600 Kenyan police officers are undergoing pre-deployment training and will be ready for duty in the near future.
Our officers are working closely with the Haitian National Police to restore order, protect critical infrastructure and create safe spaces where Haitians can thrive. In collaboration, they have already recaptured key sites: The general hospital, the port and the National Palace. This progress stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty that once prevailed.
I commend the demonstrated professionalism of the MSS and urge them to remain steadfast in discharging their responsibilities. The conduct of the MSS is a testament to the integrity of Kenya’s security deployments within the country and around the world, which I am certain is one of the reasons Kenya was yesterday elected to serve at the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027.
When I visited the Multinational Security Support Mission in Portau-Prince on September 21, 2024, the Force Commander and his Haitian counterpart spoke of the positive momentum that has weakened the stranglehold of gangs over the country and generated optimism for better days ahead in Haiti. Today, we discussed ways to sustain and build on that momentum. This is a battle we can win if our friends stand resolute in solidarity with Haiti.
Kenya and Haiti, therefore, stand united in calling on the international community to urgently rally behind this Mission. The adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2751 on 30th September 2024- extending the term of the MSS by another one year- signals strong global support. However, words and pledges must be matched by concrete action. We therefore strongly implore our global partners to accelerate their contribution to the personnel, logistics and financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the Mission.
Beyond security, we have also identified areas for collaboration in trade, tourism and cultural exchanges. To achieve lasting change, we must invest in economic growth and social connectivity. This is why Prime Minister Conille and I discussed concrete steps to enhance trade and boost investment between our two nations.
We envision a future where Kenya and Haiti, as well as the larger Caribbean region, are linked not only by shared values of democracy and the rule of law but also by dynamic economic exchanges to create jobs, spur innovation and uplift communities.
As we work together, we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism as a powerful force for good. However, we recognise that global governance structures must evolve to reflect today’s realities. Our shared challenges - from climate change to food security - demand institutions that are resilient, responsive and equitable. Kenya and Haiti believe in the need for reform that realigns these institutions to serve the needs of all nations, ensuring a more just and sustainable world.
In this spirit, we also champion the strengthening of ties between the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), regarded as the sixth region of Africa. By forging these alliances, we seek to enhance South-South Cooperation and build a more interconnected, prosperous and resilient global community.
In closing, I extend my gratitude to you, Your Excellency, Prime Minister, for your visit and for the spirit of collaboration that has characterised our discussions today. We look forward to continuing this dialogue, strengthening our ties, and building a future of peace, progress, and prosperity for our nations and the world. As you journey back home, kindly convey our best wishes to the President and esteemed members of the Transitional Presidential Council and our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Thank You.