Kenyan President William Ruto pledged on Thursday that his nation’s upcoming mission to Haiti will focus on dismantling gangs that have wreaked havoc in the Caribbean nation.
During a state visit to Washington alongside President Joe Biden, Ruto emphasized Kenya’s commitment to assisting Haiti and affirmed that the United States would offer intelligence and equipment to help stabilize the troubled country’s situation.
“Gangs and criminals do not have status. They have no religion,” Ruto remarked at a White House news conference, assuring that the international mission would handle them firmly and lawfully.
Ruto outlined the mission’s objectives, stating that Kenya and other participating nations aim to secure Haiti and dismantle the gangs responsible for causing immense suffering in the country.
When questioned about the likelihood of success in defeating the gangs, Biden expressed confidence, affirming that the crisis can be addressed with the capabilities of Kenya’s military.
The Biden administration, seeking a leading nation for the mission, opted against sending US forces, given America’s history of intervention in Haiti. Biden stressed the importance of providing assistance to Haiti without appearing to impose American will.
Ruto clarified that Kenya’s decision to deploy to Haiti was independent, reflecting the nation’s commitment to promoting peace and stability globally.
Biden’s approach aligns with his previous actions, including the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, signaling a shift away from prolonged military engagements overseas.
