Kenya has committed to sending an additional 600 police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks to assist in combating gangs that control much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. This will increase the Kenyan contingent, which has been gradually deployed since June to support Haiti’s struggling police force, to a total of 1,000 personnel.
During his visit, President William Ruto expressed his support for converting the current Kenya-led security mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation. Several other countries have also pledged at least 1,900 additional troops.
Haiti continues to experience widespread violence, with a UN human rights expert warning that gangs are expanding their reach, resulting in further displacement of residents. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet by the end of the month to discuss renewing Kenya’s mandate for another year, which would facilitate the transition to a full UN mission in 2025. This transition could lead to increased funding and resources for an operation that has struggled with equipment shortages.
Addressing Kenyan police officers in Port-au-Prince, President Ruto praised their achievements over the past few months. “Many believed Haiti was a mission impossible, but you have changed that perception through your progress,” he stated. He assured the officers that he would work to secure better equipment for their operations.
The nearly 400 Kenyan officers currently deployed are patrolling alongside Haitian forces to protect the populace and restore security. Ruto noted that the next group of 600 officers is in training and will be ready for deployment soon.
However, there has been criticism in Haiti regarding the lack of decisive action against the gangs. A UN human rights expert recently highlighted the inadequacy of equipment for the mission, stating that helicopters, night vision goggles, and drones are needed. “The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023, has deployed less than a quarter of its planned force,” William O’Neil remarked.
Despite an international arms embargo, smuggling continues to arm the gangs, allowing them to expand their control. The expert noted that police in regions like Jérémie are lacking the logistical and technical means to effectively confront gang violence. He emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “This enduring agony must stop. It is a race against time.”
O’Neil called for immediate efforts to empower the MSS to effectively support the Haitian National Police and implement other measures mandated by the UN Security Council, including sanctions and a targeted arms embargo.
