Haiti’s Prime Minister welcomes Kenyan deployment to Support Peace and Security Restoration

Haiti’s Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, stated that the deployment of 218 Kenyan police and military personnel underscores the commitment of both the Haitian government and the international community to dismantle armed gangs and restore peace in the nation.

“This reinforcement marks a critical step toward liberating our country from criminal networks and reestablishing security,” he said.

The Kenyan contingent’s arrival brings the United Nations Security Council-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti to 807 personnel, including 617 Kenyans, 150 Guatemalans, eight Salvadorans, six Bahamians, 24 Jamaicans, and two Belizeans. The mission aims to reach 2,500 troops.

Last week, Belize announced it is reassessing plans to deploy more troops, citing unresolved issues regarding readiness. Initially, Belize intended to send 50 personnel from its Defence Force and Coast Guard, but Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed further preparations are needed.

Meanwhile, Barbados has suspended plans to contribute forces, citing heightened risks in Haiti.

The reinforcements arrive amid worsening gang violence, with armed groups controlling over 80 percent of the capital and displacing more than a million people nationwide. The United Nations reported at least 5,601 deaths, 2,212 injuries, and 1,494 kidnappings due to gang violence in Haiti last year.

Presidential Advisor Fritz Alphonse Jean welcomed the Kenyan troops, commending Kenya for being the first nation to offer aid. He reiterated Haiti’s determination to eradicate criminal groups hindering the country’s progress. -(CMC)