Published 12:25 PM ET, Sunday January 19, 2025
NAIROBI: Kenya has taken another significant step in its commitment to combat gang violence in Haiti by sending an additional 217 police officers. This move comes as part of an international effort to stabilize the Caribbean nation, which has been grappling with a severe security crisis fueled by armed gangs that control large parts of the country.
The presidency said the officers “arrived Saturday in Haiti to battle violent gangs that have taken over parts of the troubled Caribbean country. They were received by the Haitian President Fritz Alphonse Jean among other top government officials.”
The deployment follows Kenya’s earlier pledge to lead a multinational security mission in Haiti under the auspices of the United Nations. The initiative aims to assist Haitian authorities in restoring order, protecting civilians, and supporting the re-establishment of democratic governance. Kenya’s leadership in this mission underscores its growing role in global peacekeeping and its willingness to engage in addressing complex international crises.
Haiti has faced increasing instability since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with gangs filling the power vacuum and terrorizing communities. The Kenyan contingent, alongside other international forces, is expected to focus on dismantling gang networks, securing critical infrastructure, and aiding humanitarian efforts.
The deployment has been met with mixed reactions. While many see it as a necessary intervention, critics have raised concerns about the potential for misuse of force and the need for long-term solutions to Haiti’s systemic issues, including poverty and political instability.
Haiti has been asking for international assistance to help restore order and security.
The US has pledged $300 million for the UN-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, with Canada contributing $123 million, including $80.5 million for the UN trust fund. Jamaica and Senegal have also supported the initiative, deploying security personnel to aid the mission.
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