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Kenya has pledged to send an additional 600 police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks to help combat the gangs that control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and nearby areas. This deployment will bring the total number of Kenyan officers in Haiti to 1,000, marking a significant increase in the international effort to restore order in the beleaguered Caribbean nation.
During a recent visit to Haiti, President William Ruto praised the Kenyan police for their progress and expressed his support for transforming the current Kenya-led security mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation. “There are many people who thought Haiti was mission impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made,” Ruto told the officers.
The Kenyan contingent has been deployed incrementally since June to assist Haiti’s struggling police force. The nearly 400 Kenyan officers currently on the ground are working closely with Haitian forces to protect the population and restore security. President Ruto assured the officers that the next batch of 600 officers is undergoing redeployment training and will be mission-ready in a few weeks.
Despite these efforts, violence in Haiti remains a significant issue. Gangs continue to expand their control, causing further displacement and insecurity. A UN human rights expert recently warned that the mission is inadequately equipped and needs additional resources such as helicopters, night vision goggles, and drones to be effective. The expert highlighted that despite an international embargo, arms and ammunition continue to be smuggled into the country, allowing gangs to extend their control to new territories.
The UN Security Council is expected to meet by the end of the month to decide whether to renew Kenya’s current mandate for another 12 months, potentially paving the way for a full UN mission in 2025. This renewal would lead to increased funding and resources for the operation, which has been hampered by a lack of equipment.
President Ruto’s visit to Haiti underscores Kenya’s commitment to international peacekeeping and the importance of global cooperation in addressing security challenges. The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023, has so far deployed less than a quarter of its planned contingent. However, the progress made by the Kenyan officers has been significant, and there is hope that with increased support and resources, the mission can achieve its objectives.
In conclusion, Kenya’s decision to send more police officers to Haiti reflects a strong commitment to international peace and security. The challenges are immense, but with continued international support and cooperation, there is hope for a more stable and secure Haiti.
