A team of high-ranking Haitian police officials met with Kenya’s Inspector General of Police on Tuesday, paving the way for a multinational peacekeeping mission to combat the escalating gang violence in Haiti.
The meeting, which took place in Nairobi, comes ahead of a planned deployment of a U.N.-backed mission, led by Kenya, to the violence-hit Caribbean country by the end of June.
The Haitian police delegation met with Kenya’s Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, to discuss the details of the deployment, which aims to restore peace and stability in Haiti. The meeting was also attended by commanders of the 1,000 Kenyan officers who will be part of the multinational peacekeeping mission.
Kenya has pledged to lead the mission, which will comprise officers from several countries, to combat the rampant gang violence in Haiti that has resulted in thousands of deaths and forced over 360,000 people to flee their homes. The deployment, initially scheduled for May, was postponed to allow for the completion of bases and the procurement of essential equipment, including vehicles.
During the meeting, Haitian Police official Joachim Prohete expressed his country’s gratitude for Kenya’s support, stating, “We are counting on your support.”
Inspector General Koome assured the Haitian delegation of Kenya’s commitment, saying, “We are ready and committed to come over and assist whenever needed.”
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Kenya will not only lead the peacekeeping mission but also host Haitian police for training. The Haitian delegation visited the barracks in Nairobi where the training will take place, according to Kenyan police.
President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to restoring peace in Haiti, and U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed his appreciation for Kenya’s efforts during Ruto’s state visit in May.
Haiti has been plagued by poverty, political instability, and natural disasters for decades, and international intervention in the country has a complex history. A U.N.-approved stabilization mission that began in June 2004 was marred by a sexual abuse scandal and the introduction of cholera, which killed nearly 10,000 people. The mission ended in October 2017.
Despite the challenges, Kenya’s deployment is seen as a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in Haiti. The mission will help combat gang violence and provide much-needed support to the Haitian police and people. As the deployment date approaches, all eyes are on Kenya and its leadership in the multinational peacekeeping mission.
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