Ruto welcomes Haiti’s political transition, reiterates Kenya’s readiness to help restore stability

President William Ruto has welcomed the formation of a Presidential Transition Committee in Haiti.

The committee is responsible for choosing the country's next leadership following an uncertainty since Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned.

The council is composed of seven voting members and two non-voting observers and is tasked with choosing and appointing a new prime minister as well as an impartial electoral council.

The committee will also exercise certain presidential powers until a new president-elect is inaugurated, which must take place no later than February 7, 2026. It's mandate will end on that date and cannot be extended.

To Ruto, this is a positive move that will help restore stability and security in the Caribbean country.

"I welcome the formal Proclamation by Decree establishing the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) of the Republic of Haiti.

"This decision is evident of the collective courage and singular sacrifice of the Haitian Council of Cabinet to forge a Haiti free of violence and to entrench a new democratic administration. We look forward to the PTC moving with speed to appoint the Prime Minister and Cabinet," Ruto said in a statement on X.

The formation of the council was facilitated by Caribbean's regional bloc, which has been in the forefront of finding peace in Haiti.

"I commend the leadership of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for their steadfast stewardship of the intense consultations that led to the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council that reflects the diverse sections of Haitian society.

"Kenya expresses confidence that the new political leadership will lay a strong foundation for the resolution of the crisis in Haiti, restoration of security, afford the Haitian people a political transition and usher in sustainable peace and development. Kenya reiterates its strong solidarity with Haiti and stands ready to make its contribution within the framework elaborated in the UN Security Council Resolution 2699 of 2023," Ruto added.

Kenya has pledged to send 1000 police officers to Haiti in a security mission that has the backing of both the United Nations and the United States.

Members

Meanwhile, the transition committee has Fritz Alphonse Jean, Louis Gerald Gilles, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Smith Augustin, Lesly Voltaire, Laurent Saint Cyr, Frinel Joseph and Regine Abraham as members.

Although CARICOM is hopeful for a lasting solution following the formation of the transition body, it believes challenges still lie ahead.

Haiti, especially the capital, Port-au-Prince, has faced a lot of security challenges that have also affected the supply lines of food and aid and triggered an exodus of foreign nationals.

The UN estimates that nearly five million people in the country are suffering from acute food insecurity.