Kenyan President William Ruto is in the United States for a three-day state visit, the first such trip for an African leader since 2008. Ruto’s meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House will focus on a multinational security intervention in Haiti, a mission led by Kenya and backed by Washington. Despite the US refusing to contribute forces, they are the mission’s biggest funder, sparking debates in Kenya’s Parliament and courts.
Haiti has been plagued by violence, with gangs declaring war on the government, resulting in thousands of casualties and displaced individuals. Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested UN assistance to bolster security forces and combat gang violence. The US considered backing a Nairobi-led police mission, with Kenya becoming the first African country to lead such a mission outside the continent. Connections between Haiti and Africa were highlighted as a reason for Kenya’s involvement.
The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, supported by the US and Ecuador, was approved by the UN Security Council. The mission is not UN-led but is a UN-backed initiative. The MSS will comprise 2,500 forces, with Kenya contributing 1,000 police officers. Other countries like Benin, Jamaica, and Bangladesh have also pledged police to the mission. The MSS will collaborate with Haiti’s police to reclaim government infrastructure from gangs.
Opposition to the MSS deployment in Kenya comes from lawmakers, human rights groups, and lawyers who question the deployment’s legality and motives. Ruto has faced criticism for pursuing the mission despite internal challenges and opposition. Human rights activists have raised concerns about Kenya’s police force’s history of extrajudicial killings and torture. The 15-year UN mission in Haiti has a controversial legacy with allegations of abuses against peacekeepers.
The US has supported Kenya leading the mission in Haiti, refraining from sending troops themselves. Washington has backed Kenya for security interests in the Horn of Africa and the region. There are disagreements between Kenya and the US regarding financial support and arms flow into Haiti. Ruto’s visit to the US also aims to secure more foreign investment to address Kenya’s debts and boost economic growth. Climate financing for African countries, another focus of Ruto’s foreign engagements, will also be discussed.
Ruto’s visit to the US comes at a time when the US is countering China and Russia’s influence in Africa. Washington seeks to maintain a presence on the continent and strengthen ties with Kenya amidst geopolitical challenges in the region. Ruto is pushing for more investment to stimulate Kenya’s economy and address its debts, with a focus on climate financing and infrastructure projects. The importance of the Haiti mission, economic cooperation, and security interests will be key topics in Ruto’s discussions with Biden.
