Tuesday, November 21, 2023 -President William Ruto today received a rare standing ovation while addressing the European Union EU Parliament.
Ruto used the opportunity to call on the European Union EU to formally support the deployment of approximately 1,000 Kenyan police officers to assist in a security mission aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti.
Addressing the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, France, today Tuesday, President Ruto highlighted the willingness of eight countries including Kenya to contribute forces, emphasizing the importance of international assurance.
“Currently, about eight countries, including Kenya, are willing to contribute their forces to Haiti, but there is a clear need for assurance of international support. The support from the EU will be instrumental in bolstering the initiative, providing the necessary resources and legitimacy,” the head of State said.
During his visit to Germany on Monday, the President announced the European country’s commitment to support Kenya’s mission to Haiti and peace efforts in the Horn of Africa, following talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“On the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa conference in Berlin, held talks with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz who pledged to support of Kenya’s mission to Haiti and peace in the Horn of Africa,” he wrote on his X platform.
The Head of State, who is currently on the second day of his 4-day tour of France and Germany, emphasized the need for a multinational security mission of around 5,000 personnel to tackle the challenge posed by approximately 9,000 armed gangs in Haiti.