The UN Security Council approved the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti under Kenya’s direction to aid in the fight against violent gangs in the Caribbean after Kenya proposed sending 1,000 police officers on this mission.
If we consider recent peacekeeping deployments, Kenya has a long history of success. Kenya is one of the few countries that has dealt with the Al-Shaabab hard-core terrorist group for years. It has a robust military; sending the trained forces there would provide Haiti with the security required to decisively defeat the gangs that have terrorized and tormented Haiti for years.
President Joe Biden of the United States pledged to offer logistical support along with $100 million to the Kenyan-led force, which is anticipated to bring peace & security to Haiti in time for the country’s long-awaited general elections.
International intervention in Haiti has a sad history. A cholera outbreak and a sexual abuse scandal tarnished a UN-approved stability mission that began in June 2004 and ended in October 2017. It is projected that Haiti will be a successful country in a year thanks to the paramilitary Kenyan special police force (Recce Squad and Rapid Deployment Unit), which offers new hope for taming violent criminal gangs.
Court Paused the deployment
While a lawsuit filed by the Thirdway Alliance Kenya and two others is being heard, the High Court temporarily barred the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti. The petitioners claim that the constitution does not allow for the deployment of the police service outside of Kenya, and they add that such a move would be of great public interest and significance and could only be made in accordance with the constitution’s provisions. They add that there should have been public input prior to Kenya’s request, but there was none.
As a matter of international notoriety, there is currently no elected government in Haiti. Kenya does not have an Embassy in Haiti. The petitioners are playing with a sensitive and serious matter of security and behaving in a manner that suggests that they are not accountable to the people of Kenya for their decisions.
Court approved the deployment
After a long wait for the deployment of 1000 police officers to Haiti, under a peacekeeping mission approved by the United Nations (UN) Security Council, the Kenyan court has now approved the deal. The Kenyan troop, which was deployed in stages and a selection exercise was done to identify the officers who would take part, is ready for the Haiti mission. The mission will see Kenyan troops dispatched to the Caribbean nation in 2024 to restore combat gangs that have largely overrun Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
Biden Honors Kenya
Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced the forthcoming deployment of his country’s peacekeeping police force to Haiti, aiming to facilitate the nation’s progress and combat the escalating gang violence. Ruto revealed this plan during the conclusion of his three-day diplomatic mission to Washington DC, marking the first official state visit by an African leader to the United States in over 15 years.
The urgency of this deployment was underscored by a tragic incident where three missionaries, including an American couple, lost their lives in Haiti. Responding to this, the White House emphasized the need for a prompt deployment of the Kenyan-led multinational force. Ruto disclosed that preparations for this endeavor are well underway, with construction of a base for troops and equipment in collaboration with the US nearing 70% completion.
The situation in Haiti has reached a critical juncture, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who described it as "a living nightmare" in the preceding year. Despite the pressing need for assistance, the process of dispatching armed support has encountered delays. President Ruto attributed these delays to his government’s meticulous approach in addressing security concerns comprehensively. This includes thorough plans for equipment procurement, infrastructure development, and establishing collaborative ties with Haiti’s existing police force.
However, amidst these preparations, legal challenges loom. Kenya’s High Court has scheduled a hearing for June 2nd to address concerns raised by the opposition party regarding the legality of deploying Kenya’s police force abroad. This underscores the complex dynamics involved in international peacekeeping efforts and the necessity for adherence to legal frameworks.
President Ruto’s initiative reflects Kenya’s commitment to international peace and security, as well as its solidarity with Haiti during its time of crisis. By spearheading this multinational effort, Kenya aims not only to provide immediate relief but also to contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of Haiti.
The deployment of Kenya’s peacekeeping police force signifies a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between Kenya and the US, showcasing the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. Moreover, it underscores Africa’s increasing role in global peacekeeping efforts and its willingness to engage proactively in addressing regional and international security challenges.
As Kenya prepares to embark on this mission, the eyes of the international community remain focused on Haiti, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis and a brighter future for its people.