Why Ruto Wants Haiti in the AU
NAIROBI, Kenya- At the 38th Ordinary Assembly of the African Union (AU) in Ethiopia, President William Ruto made a compelling case: the AU should formally recognize Haiti as Africa’s sixth region.
This proposal, according to Ruto, is about deepening Africa’s historical and cultural ties with the Caribbean while reinforcing international support for Haiti’s ongoing security challenges.
President William Ruto proposes the adoption of a Draft Declaration on AU Solidarity with Haiti at the AU Assembly, to affirm its status as part of Africa’s Sixth Region and ensuring sustained support for the mission, including advocating for a transition of the MSS into a UN…
In a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, Ruto pushed for the adoption of a Draft Declaration on AU Solidarity with Haiti, a move that would solidify Haiti’s standing within the AU and open doors for broader assistance.
“This declaration will affirm Haiti’s status as part of Africa’s Sixth Region and ensure sustained support for Kenya’s mission, including advocating for the transition of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a UN peacekeeping operation,” Mohammed noted.
Kenya’s Expanding Role in Haiti’s Security
Kenya isn’t just making diplomatic moves—it’s taking action. On June 25, 2024, the country sent its first security contingent to Haiti as part of the MSS mission, aimed at stabilizing the gang violence that has gripped the Caribbean nation.
Since then, the number of Kenyan officers in Haiti has grown to over 600, with the latest deployment including an all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Kenya’s all-female elite SWAT team arrives in Haiti
Ruto’s push for Haiti’s AU recognition comes at a time when Kenya is advocating for a full transition of MSS into a UN peacekeeping mission.
This would provide long-term global support and resources to maintain stability in Haiti.
AU Reforms: A Bigger Vision for Africa
Beyond Haiti, Ruto presented a broader reform agenda at the summit, urging the AU to:
- Establish an Oversight Committee of Heads of State to strengthen governance.
- Operationalize the African Court of Justice, which has been stalled since 2009 due to debates over merging it with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- Accelerate the ratification of the Malabo Protocol, which would give the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) legislative authority, transforming it from a symbolic entity into a real decision-making body.
“So far, only 15 Member States have ratified the Malabo Protocol. This Assembly must mobilize political support to accelerate the process,” Ruto emphasized.
His vision? A stronger, more unified AU that can tackle global challenges while reinforcing Africa’s role in international security.
Ruto’s push to integrate Haiti into the AU isn’t just about historical ties—it’s about positioning Africa as a global player in peacekeeping and governance.
By strengthening Kenya’s role in Haiti’s security, advocating for AU reforms, and pushing for legislative empowerment, he’s setting the stage for Africa to take a more prominent role on the world stage.
With Haiti in the mix, could this be the beginning of a broader African-Caribbean alliance? Only time will tell.
