Kenya and Haiti have signed a security agreement to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti, with Kenya set to deploy 1,000 police officers to the Caribbean nation. The agreement, formalized by Kenya’s President William Ruto and Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry, aims to stabilize the security situation in Haiti, which has been plagued by unprecedented levels of violence.
The agreement was signed at State House in Nairobi, where President Ruto hosted Prime Minister Henry for discussions on expediting the deployment process. President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to the mission, highlighting the importance of peace in Haiti for global stability.
Prime Minister Henry expressed gratitude to President Ruto and Kenya for leading the security mission, noting the hope it brings to the Haitian people amidst ongoing challenges.
Haiti has been grappling with a severe security, justice, political, and humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by escalating gang violence. The situation has led to a significant increase in killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence, with over 40% of the population facing acute food shortages.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Prime Minister Henry has been governing by decree, lacking parliamentary approval and a constitutional mandate. Despite legal challenges, the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers received approval from the United Nations Security Council, Haiti’s Cabinet, and Parliament.
The mission, known as the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), aims to transform global solidarity into tangible support for Haiti. The deployment underscores Kenya’s commitment to international peace and security, as well as its willingness to assist nations in crisis.
