Kenyan police officers arrive in Haiti to help combat gang violence

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A contingent of Kenyan police arrived Tuesday in Haiti to help combat powerful gangs that have brought chaos and violence to the Caribbean nation.

Videos of Kenyan police leaving a plane at the airport in Port-au-Prince circulated on social media and shortly after US President Joe Biden confirmed the arrival of the contingent.

"Today, with strong support from the United States, Kenyan forces part of the Multinational Security Support mission arrived in Haiti, beginning an effort that will bring much needed relief to Haitians,” Biden said in a statement.
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille hailed Kenya's support on Monday.

"The Government and the Haitian people hope this multinational mission will be the last one to help the county stabilize so it can renew its political personnel and return to an effective democracy," Conille wrote on X.

Haiti is immersed in a political, economic and social crisis amid a spiral of violence at the hands of armed gangs that have seized control of much of Port-au-Prince by terrorizing the population with killings, kidnappings, rapes, and attacks.

The violence escalated in recent months. Powerful gang leaders have tried to capture police stations, government ministers, the capital's main airport and other government facilities.

Hostilities began during the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who left for Kenya in March to finalize details for the deployment of a group of police officers to retake control of the country. The mission, however, had been delayed following the resignation of Henry and the creation of a transitional governing council.

The situation led the UN Security Council to approve the sending of a multinational security support mission led by Kenya last October.​​

Kenyan President William Ruto held a ceremony Monday to wish luck to the officers who left for Haiti in the first contingent of 400 out of 1,000 officers that Kenya pledged to send.

“Kenya has solid credentials in peace-making and conflict resolution globally. 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,” said Ruto.

A trust fund for the mission currently contains $21 million, provided by Canada, France, Spain, and the US.

“The people of Haiti deserve to feel safe in their homes, build better lives for their families, and enjoy democratic freedoms. Haiti’s future depends on the return to democratic governance. While these goals may not be accomplished overnight, this mission provides the best chance of achieving them," said Biden.

The mission is expected to be led by Kenya and other countries including Antigua, Barbados, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Chad, Bahamas, and Jamaica.