President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya's support for peace in Haiti as the country swore in a nine-person Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) in ceremony on Thursday, April 25, 2024 - aimed at steadying the country in readiness for an election.
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry whose regime was toppled by rampant gang violence across the country, Finance Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert will assume the role of interim Prime Minister. He is expected to lead the formation of government, appointment of cabinet and a new electoral council - in readiness for polls.
"Today is an important day in the life of our dear republic, this day in effect opens a view to a solution," Boisvert said.
In a statement on Friday morning, April 26, 2024, President Ruto noted that Kenya and other partners including the United Nations and CARICOM - are determined to support the restoration of peace and democracy to the Caribbean nation.
"The swearing in of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) today is a crucial step in the political transition of Haiti. The TPC has the singular task of moving speedily to re-establish key organs of the State critical to the restoration of law and order and necessary for the ushering of hope to all Haitians as prescribed by the Decree of April 12, 2024.
"In implementing the roadmap contained in this political accord, Kenya stands ready and willing- in concert with a broad alliance of nations in Africa and CARICOM- committed to Haiti's stability, to rapidly execute the security support infrastructure envisaged under UN Security Council 2699 (2023)," President Ruto stated.
"Kenya assures the TPC of Haiti of its full support as it shepherds the country through this complex interregnum," he added.
Ariel Henry signed his official resignation papers on Wednesday, April 24 paving way for appointment of the TPC. He regretted the chaos experienced in his country, noting that the people of Haiti deserve better.
"Given the current state of affairs, this is the time was right for me to step down. We have served the nation in difficult times. I thank everyone who dared to face such challenges with me,” he stated.
“I sympathise with the losses and suffering endured by our compatriots during this period.”
Kenya had initially halted the deployment of 1000 police officers to Haiti following Henry's resignation but is expected to re-evaluate the decision in the coming days.