(Le Floridien) — Kenya is preparing to deploy more than 2,500 police officers to Haiti as part of a multinational security mission aimed at stabilizing the country amidst escalating gang violence. This initiative follows a reconnaissance mission led by Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Noor Gabow, which identified key areas for deployment and outlined the responsibilities of the Kenyan police force.
The Kenyan police officers will be stationed at strategic locations across Haiti to ensure security and order. Their roles will include manning the presidential palace to safeguard the seat of government, thereby ensuring the stability of Haiti’s central leadership.
In addition, the main port will see increased security measures to facilitate safe and secure import and export activities, crucial for the country’s economic stability. The airport will also be a critical point of deployment, aimed at ensuring the safe arrival and departure of people and goods, which is vital for both humanitarian aid and economic activities.
The main hospital will be protected to ensure the continued operation of essential medical services, addressing one of the critical needs of the Haitian population amidst the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, security on principal highways will be enhanced to ensure safe transportation and movement within the country, which is essential for maintaining public order and facilitating economic activities.
If necessary, the Kenyan officers will be dispatched to other areas to support local police teams, who are currently overwhelmed and poorly motivated. Part of the mission involves retraining Haitian police officers to enhance their skills and capabilities. Approximately 2,000 Haitian officers will be flown to Kenya for short-term training programs focused on law enforcement, combat, and other policing matters. This initiative aims to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively manage security challenges upon their return to Haiti.
The reconnaissance team identified several logistical challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate the deployment. Haiti lacks the necessary equipment to accommodate the foreign police force. This includes armored vehicles, radios, and communication devices.
According to the reconnaissance mission team, there is a need to procure helicopters for potential medical evacuations, given the destruction or looting of dozens of hospitals since the gangs’ uprising on February 29.
During its sojourn, the Kenyan delegation met with members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and local police commanders to discuss the way forward. However, the agreement has yet to be formalized and submitted to the United Nations Security Council, which is a prerequisite for the multinational security mission to commence.
The peacekeeping police force, led by Kenya, is expected to arrive in Haiti within three weeks, with the latest possible arrival date being June 15, according to President William Ruto. This deployment is highly anticipated by the Haitian population, who hope that the presence of foreign forces will alleviate the severe grip of armed gangs, leading to improved security and access to essential services such as medication and food.
There is hope that the Kenyan police force in Haiti will play a crucial role in stabilizing the nation by securing key locations, supporting local law enforcement, and addressing the logistical challenges identified. Their presence is expected to significantly contribute to restoring order and enhancing the overall security situation in Haiti.
