Kenya has announced plans to deploy 600 more police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks, aiming to help the country tackle the growing influence of violent gangs that have taken over large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and nearby areas. This latest move brings Kenya’s total commitment to around 1,000 officers.
Haiti has been plagued by gang violence, with an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince under gang control since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. These armed groups have expanded their territory, and violence has spread to previously unaffected areas. The U.N. reported that between April and June alone, over 1,379 people were killed or injured, and 428 were kidnapped. Humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, with widespread inflation, a lack of basic goods, and over 700,000 people displaced, half of whom are children.
Kenyan President William Ruto visited Haiti to review the progress made by Kenyan police forces deployed earlier this year. Ruto praised the efforts of the 400 Kenyan officers currently patrolling alongside Haitian forces, emphasizing their role in improving security and helping displaced Haitians return to their homes. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the mission, promising to send an additional 600 officers who are undergoing training and will be ready for deployment soon.
During his visit, President Ruto expressed his support for transforming the current security mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation. He argued that a more comprehensive mission would provide the necessary resources to address the escalating violence and ensure sustainable stability in Haiti.
Despite Ruto’s optimism, many in Haiti and international observers question the effectiveness of the current mission. U.N. human rights expert William O’Neill, who recently visited Haiti, reported that the Haitian National Police still lack the “logistical and technical capacity” to counter the well-armed gangs. He called for additional equipment, such as helicopters, night vision goggles, and drones, to strengthen the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
O’Neill also highlighted the continued smuggling of arms and ammunition into Haiti despite an international embargo, allowing gangs to extend their control to new areas. He described the humanitarian crisis as “enduring agony,” citing rising cases of sexual violence, displacement, and vulnerability, particularly among women and children.
The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet soon to decide whether to renew Kenya’s mandate for another 12 months and consider turning the mission into a full U.N. peacekeeping operation by 2025. If approved, this transition would increase funding and resources to support the mission’s objectives.
Other countries, including the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad, have pledged to send additional police officers and soldiers, with the goal of reaching a total of 2,500 personnel to support Haiti. However, the exact timeline for their deployment remains unclear, and concerns persist over whether these forces will be adequately equipped to confront the gangs effectively.
President Ruto’s visit to Haiti coincides with the creation of a provisional electoral council, paving the way for Haiti’s first general election since 2016. Many hope the election, alongside the security mission, will help restore stability and governance in the country. However, the challenges remain immense, with only about 5,000 Haitian police officers available to protect a population of over 11 million.
Expanded Coverage:
