Kenyan police officers are set to depart for Haiti this week to address severe gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The deployment, which has faced delays due to legal challenges and worsened security conditions in Haiti, is part of an international effort to combat the rampant violence in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
The mission involves personnel from Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Chad, Bangladesh, and Kenya, with funding primarily provided by the United States. The first contingent of Kenyan police officers is scheduled to leave Kenya on Tuesday and is expected to arrive in Haiti later this week, according to the U.S. State Department.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed hope for measurable improvements in security, particularly in facilitating access to humanitarian aid and supporting economic activities in Haiti.
Kenya volunteered in July 2023 to lead the international force aimed at addressing the violence perpetrated by gangs in Haiti. The deployment has been repeatedly delayed by legal challenges and a deteriorating security situation, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March.
Kenyan President William Ruto presided over a departure ceremony for the 400 officers who will be part of the initial deployment to Haiti. Another group of approximately 600 officers is expected to join the mission at a later stage, with a stopover in a third country before reaching Haiti.
In addition to Kenya, other countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Chad, and Bangladesh have pledged personnel to the 2,500-strong mission, with the United States providing primary funding support.
Haiti's Prime Minister Garry Conille, who assumed office earlier this month following Henry's resignation, welcomed Kenya's support in stabilizing the country and restoring effective governance. The multinational mission aims to help Haiti overcome its current challenges and pave the way for democratic elections, which have not been held since 2016.
The ongoing conflict in Haiti has had severe repercussions, including economic paralysis, healthcare system disruptions, and food insecurity affecting a significant portion of the population. The hope is that this international deployment will help restore security and stability in Haiti, enabling the country to rebuild and move towards a more prosperous future.
