Kenya praised for offer to send 1,000 cops to Haiti to help restore order, combat gang violence

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya has pledged to deploy a contingent of 1,000 well-trained police officers to help restore normalcy and combat the gang violence that has plagued Haiti.

Experts have lauded Kenya's initiative to always spread peace, as its peacekeeping efforts, which began in regional countries like Somalia and South Sudan, have now extended to a global scale.

Brian Kiboi, an independent security analyst in Nairobi, shed light on Kenya's willingness to offer security assistance to the Caribbean country in North America.

"Kenya's history in peacekeeping and conflict resolution is commendable. The country has played a significant role in stabilizing regions like Somalia and South Sudan, showcasing its commitment to fostering peace beyond its borders," he said.

"This move to assist Haiti is a testament to Kenya's commitment to promoting security and stability in troubled areas," he added.

Another expert, Davies Akidiva, a security analyst at Strathmore University in Nairobi, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Kenya's involvement in peacekeeping missions reflects its proactive stance in addressing global security challenges.

"By leading the multinational police force in Haiti, Kenya is demonstrating its capability to coordinate international efforts in tackling complex security issues."

Other experts who spoke to Anadolu speculated that Kenya's participation in the Haiti mission could open doors for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing on peacekeeping strategies between Kenya and other nations.

Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua made the announcement earlier this week, emphasizing Kenya's commitment to international peacekeeping efforts and its history of assisting nations in need.

He said the initiative aims to address the escalating insecurity caused by violent gangs that have overtaken much of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince.

The decision garnered significant recognition and commendation, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken admiring Kenya for taking the lead in forming the multinational police force.

The UN also lauded Kenya's initiative as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the offer to consider leading the multinational police force.

Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Geneus has also expressed his enthusiasm as the country welcomed Kenya's offer to lead a multinational force to bolster security in the violence-torn Caribbean nation.