Biden pledges U.S. support for Kenya Haiti mission

NEW YORK – In a press conference held on Thursday, Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the upcoming deployment of a multinational security mission to Haiti, which Kenya is set to lead.

President Biden emphasized the mission’s critical nature while explaining the U.S. decision not to deploy American forces directly. 

“The United States deploying forces in the hemisphere raises all kinds of questions that could easily be misrepresented,” Biden said. “We set out to find a partner or partners that would lead that effort, and we would participate in, not with American forces, but with supplies and making sure they have what they needed.”

The U.S. has committed substantial support for the mission, including $300 million for the operation and an additional $60 million for equipment assistance. Biden expressed gratitude for Kenya’s leadership, saying, “I’m very grateful for President Ruto’s leadership here and Kenya’s willingness to really lead these matters.”

President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s dedication to global peacekeeping, citing their experience in similar operations across 47 countries over 40 years. 

“Kenya believes that the responsibility of peace and security anywhere in the world, including in Haiti, is the collective responsibility of all nations and all people who believe in freedom, determination, democracy, and justice,” Ruto said.

Ruto also addressed concerns about Kenya’s domestic issues, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve security and reopen schools within Kenya. 

“We have made tremendous progress in making sure that we clear security at home,” Ruto said in response to a question on why Kenya is sending resources to Haiti despite their own local problems. “As we talk, there are 3,000 military officers and 2,000 police deployed domestically. We have reopened 20 schools already that were closed.”

Both leaders underscored the multinational nature of the effort, with contributions from various countries. Biden highlighted that U.S. support would include logistics, intelligence and equipment. He noted, “Some equipment has already arrived, and Kenya is stepping up with Belize and other countries as well.”

The mission aims to restore order and combat criminal gangs in Haiti, with a clear operational framework agreed upon within the United Nations framework. 

“We believe that the women and children in Haiti deserve peace like all other women and children and people around the world,” Ruto stated.

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