Haiti Police Commanders Meet Kenya Inspector General Ahead of Planned Kenyan Police Deployment

A team of Haiti police commanders met Kenya's inspector general on Tuesday in preparation for a planned deployment to the violence-hit Caribbean country by the end of June.

Kenya is set to lead a UN-backed multinational peacekeeping mission with officers from various countries to combat Haiti gang violence, which has left thousands dead and forced over 360,000 people to flee their homes, AP News reports.

The Haiti police officials, led by Joachim Prohete, expressed their need for support during their meeting with Kenya's Inspector Japhet Koome in Nairobi.

"We are counting on your support," Prohete said as protests and taxation erupted in the streets.

Koome assured the Haiti delegation of Kenya's commitment, stating, "We are ready and committed to come over and assist whenever needed."

The Haitian police also met with commanders of the 1,000 Kenyan officers who will be part of the peacekeeping mission.

Kenyan police will host Haitian police for training, and the visiting delegation will tour the barracks where these drills occur.

President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to restoring peace in Haiti, a sentiment US President Joe Biden echoed during Ruto's state visit in May.

Originally set for May, the deployment was postponed, and the construction of bases and procuring essential equipment, including vehicles, was finalized.

Haiti has suffered from poverty, political instability, and natural disasters for decades. Previous international interventions, such as the UN stabilization mission 2004, were marred by scandals and ended in 2017.

US Allocates $109 Million for Kenya's Haiti Mission

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has authorized $109 million in funding for Kenya's special forces to deploy to Haiti, according to the Miami Herald.

This decision overrides a Republican hold on the funds and several legal challenges in Nairobi.

Blinken's move provides necessary equipment and signals the US commitment to the mission, encouraging other nations to contribute.

Countries like Jamaica and Benin have shown interest in sending police officers but have been slow to provide equipment or funding.

The US has pledged $300 million, with the Defense Department securing $200 million and the State Department overcoming obstacles for the remaining $100 million.

Despite challenges, the State Department has sourced additional vehicles and radios, addressing concerns about the readiness of Port-au-Prince.

The mission, expected to involve 2,500 personnel, will deploy in phases.

"The people of Haiti cannot wait," a State Department official emphasized, highlighting the urgency of supporting the Multinational Security Support mission and Haiti National Police in combating gang violence.

Rising Gang Violence in Haiti Spurs Urgent Intervention

Haiti gang violence has surged since February, with powerful gangs overtaking police stations, attacking government infrastructure, and displacing over 100,000 people in Port-au-Prince.

A recent massacre of 11 people in a rural town north of the capital highlights ongoing violence.

Despite delays, US officials affirm the deployment will proceed soon based on Kenyan assurances, despite new court challenges in Kenya.

The MSS mission, led by Kenya since its UN Security Council approval in October, aims to stabilize Haiti.

Philippe Branchat, head of IOM Haiti, warned of the catastrophic humanitarian impact, with nearly 580,000 Haiti displaced and acute hunger affecting close to 5 million people, Reuters noted.

The departure of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in February left a power vacuum exploited by gangs, further disrupting supply routes and essential services.

Neighboring countries have deported hundreds of thousands of Haitians, worsening the crisis as the international community hopes for a successful intervention.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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