New contingent on Kenyan police officers arrive in Haiti
2 min readA new contingent of 217 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on Saturday to support the United Nations-backed anti-gang force in the Caribbean nation. This group, greeted by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, is part of an ongoing international security mission aimed at addressing the gang violence that has plagued Haiti. With a shortage of police forces in the country, Kenya’s contribution is crucial, and this marks another milestone in Kenya’s ongoing involvement in Haiti, as it has already deployed more than 600 officers since June 2023.
Kenya has committed to sending a total of 1,000 officers under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the latest group before their departure, emphasizing that despite challenges at home, the Kenyan spirit of giving drives the country’s participation in international peacekeeping efforts. Murkomen acknowledged that Haiti’s security situation has been dire, with criminal gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In his speech, Murkomen assured the officers that their efforts would make a significant difference in restoring peace. He expressed hope that the officers would help create a safer environment, ultimately empowering the Haitian people to rebuild their country. The United Nations has documented over 5,600 deaths resulting from gang violence in 2023 alone, and more than 700,000 people have been displaced, with many living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
The situation in Haiti remains critical, with gang violence exacerbating the country’s political and social instability. Currently, criminal gangs control more than 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, making the deployment of international peacekeepers vital to restoring order. The mission’s long-term goal is to assist the Haitian authorities in establishing a safer, more stable country for its citizens.
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