Amidst rampant gang violence in Haiti, a team of 200 Kenyan police officers has stepped up to the challenge under a United Nations-backed mission. With a total of 400 officers now on the ground in Port-au-Prince, Haitian sources are hopeful for improved security in the violence-stricken capital.
Despite legal challenges back home in Nairobi, where President William Ruto faces unrest, more Kenyan personnel are set to join forces with officers from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica for a total of 2,500 multinational troops.
The initial deployment faced delays following a Kenyan court ruling, but with a bilateral agreement now in place, the mission is moving forward with support from the United States. President Joe Biden has ruled out US boots on the ground, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in restoring peace in Haiti.
However, concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding the mission’s funding and past misconduct allegations against Kenyan police. Nevertheless, with Haiti’s urgent need for security amidst escalating gang violence, the international community is closely watching as these efforts unfold.