Kenyan Police Land in Haiti to Lead International Task Force Against Gangs

The first contingent of Kenyan police officers landed in Haiti on Tuesday, marking the commencement of a long-delayed international task force aimed at reclaiming control of the Caribbean nation from violent gangs. Kenya had volunteered to lead the UN-authorised Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, contributing 1,000 officers to the effort. The mission’s rollout had faced delays due to legal challenges in Kenya amidst Haiti’s political and humanitarian crises.

Kenyan Leadership and Deployment

Kenyan President William Ruto addressed the 400 departing officers in Nairobi on Monday, emphasising the mission’s humanitarian importance. “Our police officers’ presence in Haiti will give relief to the men, women, and children whose lives have been broken by gang violence. We will work with the international community to bring lasting stability in Haiti,” Ruto said.

Upon arrival, dozens of officers disembarked from a Kenya Airlines jet at Port-au-Prince’s main international airport, ready to bolster Haiti’s struggling police force. Haiti’s national police, with approximately 9,000 officers, have been overwhelmed by around 200 gangs that have gained power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

Challenges in Haiti

Gang violence in Haiti has escalated, leading to the collapse of the interim government in April and the displacement of over 580,000 people by June, according to the UN. Schools have turned into shelters for refugees, and hospitals have been forced to close due to gang activity. Gangs are estimated to control more than 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The Kenyan-led mission is set to reinforce Haiti’s police with about 2,500 additional officers, with support from countries including Barbados, Jamaica, Chad, and Bangladesh. The US State Department welcomed the deployment, expressing hopes for improved security and better access to humanitarian aid and economic activities.

Global Support and Concerns

While the mission in Haiti has been met with support, it also raises significant concerns. Previous international interventions in Haiti have faced criticism, and the Kenyan police have a history of allegations of abuse, including extrajudicial killings. Nonprofit organisations, like Save the Children, have expressed concerns about the risks to children, noting that many armed group members are minors.

Hope and Skepticism

Haitians have mixed feelings about the Kenyan-led mission. While some, like carpenter Frantz Pradieu, express hope for economic recovery and improved security, others remain cautious. “There’s a breeze of hope in the air,” Pradieu said. “If the Kenyans work hard, maybe in a few months from now, the economy will turn around.”

Moving Forward

The Kenyan-led mission must prove its effectiveness to gain the trust of Haitians and achieve lasting peace. With a strategy to restore security step by step, the mission faces a formidable challenge in a country where gang violence has deeply entrenched itself in daily life. As Haiti watches closely, the international community hopes for a successful intervention that can finally bring stability to the troubled nation.