The first batch of Kenyan police landed in Haiti’s capital on Tuesday, launching a long-anticipated peacekeeping mission in a nation ravaged by gang violence. The timing, however, couldn’t be worse, as deadly protests in Kenya cast doubt on the mission’s viability.
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille, addressing the press, expressed cautious optimism, “At last, the multinational force is here to support our national police. We will reclaim our country, albeit slowly, and without major confrontations unless necessary.” Conille reassured the public of the mission’s objectives, vowing that the state will regain control, ensuring peaceful living for all Haitians.
This mission was initially requested in 2022 by Haiti’s previous government. However, waning support and escalating violence led to the resignation of Conille’s predecessor in March, just after his visit to Nairobi to secure Kenyan support. Now, with over half a million displaced and nearly five million facing severe food insecurity, the situation is dire. Armed groups dominate the capital, unleashing a reign of terror marked by killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Monica Juma emphasized Kenya’s commitment to peace, stating, “Kenya’s sole purpose is to serve as agents of peace. Our police will prioritize protecting civilians, reopening routes for essential movement, and safeguarding state institutions.” Yet, Juma acknowledged the delays in deployment due to the mission not being a U.N. initiative, despite its U.N. Security Council ratification, necessitating meticulous planning.
As Kenyan police armed and ready disembarked in Port-au-Prince, back home, Nairobi’s streets were ablaze with anti-tax hike protests. Kenyan police responded with deadly force, leaving at least five protesters dead and dozens injured. This stark contrast raised questions about Kenya’s capacity to lead a peacekeeping mission abroad while struggling with domestic unrest.
Former Kenyan police officer Enock Alumasi Makanga, now in private security, voiced skepticism, “If our police can’t manage peace at home, how can they handle the chaos in Haiti?” His concerns resonate widely, adding to the controversy surrounding the mission.
Humanitarian groups, including Save the Children, Plan International, and World Vision, voiced fears of violent reprisals from Haitian gangs and the potential for civilian casualties, especially children already ensnared in gang life. They demanded transparency regarding the mission’s training, operational plans, and accountability mechanisms, recalling past peacekeeping failures that left Haiti scarred with civilian deaths, a cholera outbreak, and sexual abuse scandals.
Despite these concerns, the mission continues. The Kenyan police are set to be joined by officers from around 15 other nations, forming a 2,500-strong force backed primarily by a $360 million pledge from the United States, albeit partially held up by legislative delays. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the deployment as a pivotal moment for Haiti, anticipating much-needed relief for its nearly 12 million citizens.
Former Kenyan Supreme Court Chief Judge Willy Mutunga criticized President William Ruto’s decision to send police abroad amid domestic crises, suggesting it prioritized foreign interests over national welfare. However, President Ruto defended the mission, calling it “one of the most urgent, important, and historic in global solidarity.”
At the ceremonial send-off for the initial 400 officers, Ruto highlighted the mission’s significance. Upon their arrival, Minister Juma spoke of a budding relationship between two nations united by histories of forced removals and slavery. Prime Minister Conille urged Haitian gangs to cease hostilities and allow the nation to resume normalcy, stressing that the government will take decisive action to restore order and prepare for overdue elections.
Bottom Line
The arrival of Kenyan police in Haiti marks the beginning of a controversial peacekeeping effort. As Haiti hopes for stability, Kenya grapples with its own internal strife, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the mission’s success. The world watches closely as this high-stakes endeavor unfolds.
