Kenyan police officers are departing for Haiti this week as part of an international force to tackle rampant gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The deployment, which has faced delays due to legal challenges and deteriorating security conditions in Haiti, is expected to bring hope and relief to communities torn apart by violence and instability.
Since October 2022, dozens of gangs have taken control of much of the capital Port-au-Prince, putting up roadblocks, kidnapping and killing civilians, and attacking entire neighborhoods. About 200,000 people were forced out of their homes between March and May due to the violence.
The first wave of Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on Tuesday as part of an expected 2,500-member international force from eight countries. The mission is being organized primarily by the United States, which has pledged $300 million in support.
Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry first called for international security support in October 2022 as gangs took over Haiti's main fuel terminal and paralyzed the economy. The ongoing conflict has caused widespread suffering, with hospitals shuttered and supply routes blocked, leaving half a million Haitians internally displaced and around half the country struggling to put food on the table.
Despite concerns about the potential for abuses by Kenyan police officers due to their past record, critics argue that urgent action is needed to address the violence in Haiti. The international community, including countries like Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Chad, Bangladesh and Kenya have pledged personnel for the mission.
The deployment of Kenyan police officers has been met with controversy due to a court ruling calling it unconstitutional over the lack of a reciprocal agreement between Kenya and Haiti. However, President William Ruto has urged his officers to uphold integrity and maintain peacekeeping duties in Haiti.
