President William Ruto spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday regarding the future of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. The leaders discussed potentially transitioning the mission to a United Nations peacekeeping operation, aiming to bolster its effectiveness and achieve completion by October next year.
The mission, which has encountered delays due to funding and logistical hurdles, has seen pledges of financial support from international donors, with the U.S. promising up to Ksh.38.5 billion. However, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January 2025, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will follow through on its commitment.
The UN Security Council, which authorized the mission, is exploring ways to sustain the resource-limited operation dedicated to restoring stability in Haiti. Currently supported by voluntary contributions, transitioning to a UN peacekeeping mission would require funding from all 193 UN member states.
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"I had a constructive conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti," President Ruto shared, adding, "We discussed the transition to a UN peacekeeping mission to strengthen the mission's ability to help stabilize Haiti."
Additionally, Blinken urged Ruto to continue engaging Kenya's youth on policy matters in light of recent Gen Z protests underscoring the need for accountability. "The Secretary reaffirmed the deep and lasting connection between our two nations and expressed support for Kenya's inclusive and democratic future," read part of the official statement.
