Kenya Sends 600 Additional Officers to Help Fight Gangs in Haiti

Kenya has announced that it will send 600 more police officers to Haiti, bringing the total Kenyan contingent in the Caribbean nation to 1,000. The additional officers are expected to be deployed in the coming weeks to help Haitian authorities tackle gangs that have taken control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. This expanded force is part of Kenya's commitment to help restore order and support the beleaguered Haitian police force. Since June, Kenyan officers have been arriving in Haiti, and the mission has been praised for its progress. During his visit to Haiti, Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his support for turning the Kenya-led mission into a full United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operation. The UN Security Council is expected to meet soon to discuss renewing Kenya’s mandate for another year, a move that could lead to a more formal UN peacekeeping mission in 2025. This would also bring increased funding and resources to a mission that has so far been hampered by a lack of equipment.

President Ruto commended Kenyan officers for their efforts, saying, "Many believed Haiti was a mission impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made." He also promised to secure better equipment for the officers to enhance their effectiveness. Despite the efforts, violence in Haiti remains rampant. A UN human rights expert recently visited the country and expressed concern that the mission is still under-equipped and needs more resources, such as helicopters and drones. The gangs continue to expand their control, partly due to the ongoing smuggling of arms and ammunition.

Over 700,000 people have been displaced, and sexual violence has drastically increased. The UN expert emphasized the need for immediate action, urging for more support to stifle the gangs and enforce a targeted arms embargo. Kenya’s growing involvement in Haiti could be key to turning the tide against gang violence, with hopes that the next wave of officers will help bring much-needed security and stability to the country.