US President Joe Biden praises Ruto at UN General Assembly in New York

United States President Joe Biden has commended President William Ruto's willingness to deploy police officers to Haiti to support and train the Caribbean nation's law enforcement in their efforts to restore stability to the troubled nation.

Speaking at the 78th edition of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday which Ruto was in attendance, Biden underscored that the international body must continue to preserve peace, prevent conflict and alleviate human suffering globally.

"We embrace nations stepping up to lead new ways and to seek new breakthroughs on hard issues. For example on Haiti, the Caribbean communities facilitated a dialogue among Haitian society. I thank President William Ruto of Kenya for his willingness to serve as the lead nation of a UN-backed security support system," said Biden.

He similarly urged the UN Security Council to authorise the mission to the Caribbean nation further noting that "the people of Haiti cannot wait any longer".

US President Joe Biden hails President Ruto for decision to send Kenya Police to help combat gangs in Haiti pic.twitter.com/tZ4jcuCBSE

Following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti has been experiencing waves of crime and unrest.

Criminal gangs have exerted their influence in the country leading to a prevalence of violent crimes such as kidnappings for ransom, carjackings, rapes, and armed thefts.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who succeeded Moise, has been grappling with the challenge of curbing the violence but the country has faced humanitarian, political, and security crises due to its weak government and overwhelmed security forces.