United States President Joe Biden has expressed his confidence in the Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti, praising their efforts to curb the gang violence devastating the Caribbean nation. Addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Biden commended the Kenyan contingent for playing a crucial role in restoring peace and stability in Haiti.

Highlights:

• Biden praises Kenyan police in Haiti for their efforts in stabilizing the nation.
• The U.S. President calls for UN Security Council reforms.
• President William Ruto calls for more support for the peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

Kenyan police efforts in Haiti

During the summit, Biden highlighted Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), which aims to restore order in Haiti amid rampant gang violence. The U.S. President lauded the efforts of the Kenyan officers and expressed optimism that the mission would lead to long-term stability in the region.

“The UN Security Council needs to go back to its core mission of bringing peace, ending wars, and alleviating suffering. The council must adapt and bring in new perspectives, which is why we support reforming and expanding its membership,” Biden emphasized.

Biden also noted that the Kenyan-led mission, in collaboration with Haitian authorities, was crucial in turning the tide against the gangs that have overrun the country. “They are helping to stabilize troubled regions from East Africa to Haiti and supporting the Haitian people in regaining control of their future,” he added.

Reforming the UN Security Council

While discussing global peace efforts, Biden called for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing that it should be equipped to handle modern peacekeeping challenges. The U.S. President pledged America’s commitment to working closely with the UN to ensure global stability, emphasizing that long-term solutions are necessary to address violence in regions like Haiti.

“We have a responsibility to prepare our citizens for the future, and we will see more technological advancements in the next 10 to 15 years than we have in the last 50 years,” Biden stated.

Ruto’s Call for Continued Support

Biden’s remarks come shortly after Kenyan President William Ruto urged the UN Security Council to extend the mandate for the MSS mission in Haiti. Speaking during the same session, Ruto highlighted the positive outcomes of the Kenyan-led mission and called for innovative approaches to resource the peacekeeping initiative.

Ruto stressed that without continued international support, the progress made in Haiti could be undone, urging the international community to intensify their backing of the mission.

The Kenyan mission, authorised in October 2023 for 12 months, has made significant strides, and both Biden and Ruto agree that long-term stability in Haiti depends on continued collaboration and sustained resources.

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