Kenya is set to send 600 more police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks, reinforcing efforts to curb gang control in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding regions. This move will raise the Kenyan contingent, which has been deployed incrementally since June, to a total of 1,000 officers.
During his visit to Haiti, Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized his support for transitioning the current Kenya-led security mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation. Other nations have also pledged a combined 1,900 troops to strengthen the mission.
Haiti continues to face severe violence, with gangs expanding into new areas, displacing thousands. A UN human rights expert has highlighted the urgent need for better equipment, including helicopters and night vision goggles, to combat the gangs effectively. Despite these challenges, President Ruto expressed confidence in the mission, praising the Kenyan officers for their progress and promising to secure additional resources for them.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to meet by the end of the month to discuss extending Kenya’s mandate for another year, potentially paving the way for a full UN peacekeeping mission in 2025. Increased funding and resources would help address the current mission’s equipment shortages.
However, the situation remains dire, with over 700,000 people displaced and rampant sexual violence reported. The UN expert called for immediate action, stressing the need to halt the gangs’ influence by providing the necessary tools to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and enforcing an international arms embargo.
President Ruto assured that Kenya’s next batch of 600 officers is undergoing training and will be ready for deployment soon.
