In a gesture of solidarity, Algeria has offered a significant donation of $100,000 (approximately Ksh12.7 million) to support Kenya’s peacekeeping efforts in Haiti.
The announcement came during a one-day state visit by Algeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Ataf, on Monday, April 8, underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations.
During the visit, hosted by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, gratitude was expressed for Algeria's contribution towards Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
"I would like to thank his excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the people of Algeria for supporting Kenya’s peacekeeping mission to Haiti with a grant of $100,000. This goes a long way in realising peace efforts in Haiti," stated Musalia Mudavadi.
To meet the demands of the mission, Kenya requires a substantial budget of $241.4 million approximately (Ksh31 billion), covering various aspects from training to administrative support.
Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti, however, has not been without its challenges.
Since the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of a multinational mission to support Haiti in October 2023, controversies and hurdles have arisen.
Legal battles and funding delays, notably the US Congress's hold on allocated funds, have impeded progress.
The donation from Algeria arrives amidst a backdrop of diplomatic manoeuvring between Algeria and Kenya.
Algeria’s charm offensive, aimed at strengthening relations and countering rivalries, coincides with Kenya’s re-evaluation of its diplomatic ties, particularly with Morocco.
"My visit comes as you all know at a time when the world is undergoing profound and exhilarating changes and ever-increasing tensions, crises and conflicts that continue to imply huge challenges both at international and regional levels. In such times of great uncertainties, we firmly believe in the vital importance of maintaining close contacts," Attaf said.
The trip comes as Jessica Gakinya, Kenya's first ambassadorial nominee to Rabat, underwent parliamentary vetting during Attaf’s visit.
Additionally, Kenya’s embassy in Algiers, previously accredited to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), has shifted its stance, reflecting nuanced diplomatic shifts in the region.
