President William Ruto has affirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with European Union (EU) in boosting bilateral collaboration on security.
Speaking in Strasbourg, France, during his address to the EU Parliament, Ruto highlighted Kenya’s contribution to security in East Africa and the larger African region citing African Mission in Somalia. He said that Kenya will continue to support Somalia in fighting terrorism.
“The role of Kenya as a staple democracy and an anchored state for peace and security in the region becomes increasingly significant as the African Union Mission in Somalia is concluding, Kenya as a front line state will continue our support and collaboration with the government in Somalia to fight against terrorism,” President Ruto said.
He further said that the commitment of Kenya in fighting terror is vital for maintaining stability in the region and called for EU’s support on the same.
“This ongoing commitment is crucial for maintaining regional stability and we count on the EU bilateral support for our efforts in this regard,” the head of state said.
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Mission in Haiti
Speaking on Kenya’s mission in Haiti, Ruto said that the security challenge that Haitians faces demonstrates the nature of security problems. He said the Haiti mission needs up to 5,000 security personnel to fight armed gangs.
“The situation in Haiti highlights the global nature of security challenges grounded in UN’s resolutions multilateral security support mission will need some 5,000 men and women to address the challenge posed by armed gangs estimated to be around 9,000,” Ruto noted.
In October 2023, Kenya deployed 1,000 troops to Haiti help the Caribbean nation to fight armed gangs that has rocked the country for a long time a mission which was spearheaded by UN Security Council.
