Kenyan President William Ruto affirmed plans to proceed with a United Nations-sanctioned security mission to Haiti, despite a recent Nairobi court ruling halting the deployment. The mission aims to address the widespread gang violence in Haiti, which claimed nearly 5,000 lives last year. Initially, the United States is set to fund the initiative. However, the Kenyan court’s ruling raised concerns, citing the need for a reciprocal arrangement with the host government before deploying officers abroad.
Ruto emphasized that Haiti had requested assistance several months ago, expressing confidence that a formal request satisfying the court’s demands would be forthcoming. He indicated that once the necessary paperwork is finalized between Kenya and Haiti through a bilateral route suggested by the court, the mission could proceed as early as next week.
Acknowledging ongoing discussions with Haiti to secure the required request, Ruto highlighted Kenya’s commitment to aiding the Caribbean nation amidst escalating gang violence. Kenya’s involvement stems from its extensive experience in international peacekeeping endeavors, with a pledge of 1,000 police officers in solidarity with Haiti’s plight.
Other nations, including the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica, have also offered support, with the United States pledging $200 million to facilitate the deployment. Ruto stressed that the mission is primarily a police operation, emphasizing its humanitarian significance in addressing the dire situation in Haiti.
According to the United Nations, gang violence in Haiti claimed the lives of 4,789 individuals last year, marking a significant increase from 2022. Additionally, the report highlighted over 3,000 cases of kidnapping, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to restore stability and security in the region.
By News Hub Creator