President William Ruto finally approved the UN-led security mission to Haiti in a yearlong mission to tackle rampant gang violence.
The 15-member council approved a resolution authorizing the Kenya-led 'Multinational Security Support Mission' to assist Haitian police in combatting gangs.
The resolution, authored by the United States and Ecuador, received 13 votes in support, with China and Russia abstaining.
President Ruto hailed the council's decision in a press release, calling it "an overdue and critical instrument to define the multinational mission."
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According to Ruto, the mission is a moral obligation for the international community.
"The situation in Haiti demands, as a matter of humanitarian consideration, moral responsibility, and fundamental justice, that actions be scaled up significantly to meet the demands of emergency relief, humanitarian aid, support for livelihoods, and major public health and environmental protection interventions," he stated.
Kenya has pledged to send 1,000 troops to Haiti, while the Bahamas has committed 150 people, with Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda also pledging assistance.
The head of state said that the mission would leave a different footprint in Haiti's history of international interventions.
President Ruto said Kenya's move confirmed Pan-African commitment to the continent's unity and the African Union's policy of solidarity with the African Diaspora, bound by Africa's colonial history.
"This mission is especially important and urgent for us in Kenya." "We experienced the harrowing brunt of colonialism, as well as the long, difficult, and frustrating struggle for freedom against those who can sway international institutions to thwart justice," Ruto added.
“In our struggle, we always had friends, not an overwhelming multitude of powerful allies, yet nevertheless true, loyal and determined friends. The people of Haiti, our dear friends, today stand in need. It is our fundamental moral obligation to be their friend indeed by standing with them.” he added.
