By Lauryne Akoth
His Excellency Ruto on 13th April announced the establishment of a presidential Transition Council in the Republic of Haiti.
As per his statement, the formation of the council was a move aimed at forging a violence-free nation and entrenching a new democratic administration in Haiti. “We look forward to the PTC moving with speed to appoint the Prime Minister and Cabinet,” Read Ruto’s statement in part.
The head of state also commended the leadership of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for their steadfast stewardship of the intense consultations that led to the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council.
“Kenya expresses confidence that the new political leadership will lay a strong foundation for the resolution of the crisis in Haiti, restoration of security, afford the Haitian people a political transition, and usher in sustainable peace and development,” Ruto stated.
The president also indicated that Kenya in solidarity with Haiti is willing to uphold its end of the bargain as stipulated in the framework elaborated in the UN Security Council Resolution 2699 of 2023.
This was a reference to Kenya’s agreement with Haiti to deploy 1000 soldiers in a UN-backed support mission, following the widespread gang violence in Haiti that has led to anarchy.
Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned on 12th March 2024, following a crisis meeting between the 15-member Caribbean Community regional bloc CARICOM, barely two weeks after Kenya and Haiti formalized the deployment of 1000 officers to Haiti.
“We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,” stated Mohammed Irfaan Ali, the president of Guyana and chairman of CARICOM.
On March 1st, a reciprocal agreement was signed between Kenya and Haiti at State House, Nairobi, witnessed by President William Ruto and Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henri. The accord was formally signed by Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki and the Minister of Security from Haiti.
Read more:
Kindiki Seals Deal, 1,000 Police Officers Bound For Haiti