Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille To Take Country Back as Kenya Police Arrive

A Kenya Airways flight brought the first group of an international security mission to Haiti's Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

The 200 specialized Kenya police, supported by National Security Adviser Monica Juma, were welcomed by Haiti National Police, aiming to combat deadly gangs and restore security.

As the officers landed, airport workers warned gang members, according to the Miami Herald.

Despite performing a military drill and dance upon arrival, which confused locals urging a focus on gang combat, the deployment coincided with reduced violence.

Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille affirmed their determination to end violence, restore security, and prepare for elections.

Haiti's Struggle and International Response

Haiti requested an international security mission in 2022, but support waned, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Garry Conille's predecessor after seeking Kenyan aid amid rising violence, Reuters reports.

The gang wars have displaced over half a million people and left nearly five million facing severe food insecurity.

Armed groups control much of the capital, committing killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence.

Kenya's Foreign Minister Monica Juma emphasized the mission's goal of serving as agents of peace, protecting civilians, and securing state institutions.

The deployment lagged since it was not a UN mission, requiring extensive planning.

Meanwhile, Kenya police faced criticism for handling protests at home, raising doubts about their effectiveness in Haiti.

Aid groups voiced concerns about potential violent retaliation from Haitian gangs, affecting children involved in gangs.

They called for transparency and accountability in the mission's operations.

Previous missions in Haiti resulted in civilian casualties, a cholera outbreak, and a sexual abuse scandal without reparations.

Kenya police will be joined by officers from around 15 other nations, forming a 2,500-strong peacekeeping force funded mainly by the US, which pledged $360 million.

US President Joe Biden hailed the Kenyan police's arrival as a significant relief for Haiti.

Kenya's Leadership in the U.N.-Backed Mission

Kenya volunteered to lead a UN-backed force in July, but deployment was delayed by court challenges and worsening violence in Haiti.

Former Kenyan Chief Judge Willy Mutunga criticized the decision, suggesting the government prioritized foreign interests over domestic security, The Guardian noted.

President William Ruto called the mission urgent and historic at the departure ceremony.

Upon arrival, Juma highlighted the mission as starting a strong relationship between Kenya and Haiti.

Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille urged gang members to lay down their arms, aiming to restore normalcy and prepare for elections.

Haiti's crisis has intensified, with over 2,500 casualties this year.

Gangs have paralyzed the capital, resulting in the resignation of former Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

His successor, Prime Minister Garry Conille, aims to lead Haiti toward its first elections since 2016.

Noor Gabow, a senior Kenyan officer with peacekeeping experience, leads the mission.

Haitians have mixed feelings about the intervention.

While many resent past missions that ended disastrously, others hope the new mission will bring relief.

The 2024 mission is the fourth large-scale intervention in Haiti since 1915.

President Ruto expressed hope for relief in violence-torn communities, and President Biden emphasized the mission's importance in achieving security and freedom for Haitians.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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