Kenya, Dominican Republic Seal Pact to Boost Haiti Peace Mission

• May 13, 2025

Kenya and the Dominican Republic have signed an important agreement to support the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, strengthening efforts to stabilize the troubled Caribbean nation.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Santo Domingo after the first-ever political consultations between the two countries. Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, and Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez, formalized the deal. The agreement focuses on medical evacuation, repatriation of injured or deceased personnel, and giving Kenyan forces logistical access to Dominican territory while deployed in Haiti.

Kenya has sent over 600 police officers to Haiti under the UN-backed MSSM, which is now in its second year. The mission is tasked with assisting Haiti’s national police in restoring law and order, especially in areas affected by gang violence. However, the operation has faced serious security and logistical problems, making regional partnerships like this MoU essential.

So far, at least 20 Kenyan personnel have been treated in the Dominican Republic for injuries sustained during their deployment. This has shown the need for a formal cooperation framework to handle medical and logistical emergencies more efficiently.

Speaking after the signing, Mudavadi described the agreement as proof of Kenya’s dedication to Haiti’s peace and stability. He stressed that protecting the well-being of the deployed personnel is a top priority. “This partnership reflects the value of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable peace,” he said.

Dominican Foreign Minister Alvarez expressed similar views, saying his country is proud to offer support to those working for Haiti’s future. He emphasized the importance of providing dignified assistance to peacekeeping personnel.

Both leaders also raised concerns about the insufficient logistical support for MSSM forces. They called on the international community to fulfill their financial pledges and increase support for the mission. Additionally, they proposed upgrading the MSSM into a hybrid UN mission to ensure long-term resources and operational stability.

In a move to deepen diplomatic relations, Kenya and the Dominican Republic also signed an agreement for foreign service academies to exchange diplomatic training programs.

After his Dominican Republic visit, Mudavadi is set to travel to Brazil from May 15–16 for bilateral talks focusing on trade, investment, agriculture, and political cooperation.