Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has hailed the arrival of Kenyan police officers in Haiti as a critical step towards reclaiming the nation from the clutches of gang violence. Addressing the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, Conille emphasized the dire situation in Haiti, where the country has been paralyzed by rampant criminal activities.
“Haiti is currently at a critical point as 12,000 armed individuals are holding a population of 12 million hostage,” Conille declared. His poignant statement underscores the gravity of the crisis, which has seen various sectors and essential projects come to a standstill due to the overwhelming influence of armed gangs.
The deployment of Kenyan police, which began with the arrival of the first team last week, marks a significant international effort to stabilize Haiti. Prime Minister Conille expressed hope that this intervention would herald a new era for the beleaguered nation, helping to dismantle the pervasive criminal networks and restore order.
The UN Security Council’s meeting highlighted the international community’s commitment to supporting Haiti through this multifaceted crisis. The mission, led by Kenya, involves an initial deployment of 400 police officers, with a total of 1,000 officers expected to be stationed in Haiti. This operation represents Kenya’s substantial contribution to global peace and security efforts.
Despite the challenges, including internal criticisms and legal hurdles in Kenya, President William Ruto has affirmed the importance of this mission. Addressing the officers before their departure, Ruto emphasized the need to demonstrate Kenya’s capability and professionalism in contributing to global security.
The backdrop of this deployment is a nation in turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which left a power vacuum and escalated gang violence. In the first three months of 2024 alone, over 2,500 casualties were reported, and thousands others were displaced in Port-au-Prince, where gangs exert control.
