Kenya assesses police mission in Haiti amid rising violence

Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to evaluate a Kenya-led police mission aimed at addressing escalating gang violence. This visit follows a warning from a UN expert about the worsening security situation in Haiti, where armed groups have gained significant control, particularly in the capital. The Kenyan police deployment, part of a UN-backed multinational mission, began three months ago but has struggled to make a substantial impact amid ongoing violence. Despite the presence of foreign police, armed groups reportedly control around 80% of Port-au-Prince, leading to a humanitarian crisis with over 578,000 Haitians displaced due to violence. The UN mission, known as the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), has deployed less than a quarter of its intended force, and its resources have been deemed inadequate by UN officials. The Haitian National Police also lack the necessary logistical and technical capabilities to effectively combat the gangs. The United States, a key supporter of the mission, is advocating for increased funding and personnel to strengthen the MSS. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to convene a meeting at the UN General Assembly to address Haiti's security, economic, and humanitarian needs, as well as to discuss the renewal of the mission's mandate. However, many Haitians remain skeptical of international interventions, recalling past negative experiences with UN forces. Civil society groups in Haiti emphasize the need for assistance to combat violence but caution that a security deployment alone will not resolve the country's deeper systemic issues. They call for safeguards to prevent potential abuses by the international police force, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to restoring stability in Haiti.