President William Ruto recently engaged in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The call, which took place on Thursday evening, focused primarily on the ongoing Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti. This mission, led by Kenya, aims to restore peace and stability to Haiti, a country currently facing severe political and social unrest.
Ruto received assurances during the call that the United States would maintain its support for the mission despite recent financial cuts. The Haiti mission, in particular, will remain unaffected by these cuts, ensuring that critical stabilization efforts continue without interruption.
This development follows an earlier announcement from US President Donald Trump, who confirmed a freeze on $1.7 billion intended for international missions, including Haiti. However, the US reaffirmed its commitment to the Haiti mission, highlighting its essential role in stabilizing the nation.
The conversation also touched upon regional security concerns, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The eastern DRC continues to experience turmoil due to the presence of armed groups, and both leaders underscored the necessity for collaborative international efforts to address the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Ruto and Rubio discussed an upcoming joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). Scheduled for February 7-8 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the meeting will center on finding solutions to the conflict in the DRC.
The situation in the DRC remains critical, with escalating violence and displacement. Both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthened regional cooperation and a unified approach to resolving the conflict and fostering peace.
The call underscored Kenya’s active involvement in global peacekeeping efforts and reaffirmed the significance of international collaboration in addressing crises such as those in Haiti and the DRC. The continued backing of these missions reflects a shared commitment to peace and regional stability.
