Kenya boosts Haiti police support with 600 additional officers

Kenya has committed to sending an additional 600 police officers to Haiti to bolster efforts against gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. This deployment will increase the Kenyan police presence to 1,000 officers, as part of a broader initiative to restore order in a country plagued by escalating violence and gang control. President William Ruto, during his visit to Haiti, expressed support for transforming the current Kenyan-led mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation. The situation in Haiti remains dire, with a UN human rights expert highlighting the inadequacies of the current security mission. The expert noted that the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) has deployed less than a quarter of its planned forces, which has allowed gangs to expand their influence. The lack of essential equipment, such as helicopters and night vision technology, has hindered the effectiveness of the Haitian National Police in combating gang activities. As violence continues to rise, more than 700,000 people have been displaced, and incidents of sexual violence have surged. The UN expert emphasized the urgent need for the MSS to be adequately equipped to support Haitian police operations and implement measures mandated by the UN Security Council, including sanctions and an arms embargo. The UN Security Council is expected to meet soon to discuss the renewal of Kenya's mandate, which could pave the way for a more comprehensive UN mission in 2025. The international community's response to the crisis in Haiti is critical, as the situation remains precarious and requires immediate attention to restore stability and security.