The head of a multinational force spearheaded by Kenya to combat gang violence in Haiti delivered a strong message asserting that “there’s no room for failure.”
This United Nations-backed mission is committed to facilitating democratic elections in the Caribbean nation.
The statement was made during a nationally broadcast news conference, marking the first public address by the Kenyan force since their arrival. However, the briefing did not accept questions from the press.
Despite this declaration, significant uncertainties hover over the Kenyan force, which landed in Haiti late last month.
Their deployment follows the extensive takeover of Port-au-Prince by powerful gangs, a situation that culminated in the resignation of Haiti’s prime minister.
Kenyan officer Godfrey Otunge underscored the mission’s commitment, stating, “We have a job that we are committed to do. We intend to achieve this by working closely with Haitian authorities and local and international partners dedicated to a new Haiti.”
The mission, backed by the United Nations with over $300 million in support from the United States, has faced skepticism from the outset.
Concerns have been raised regarding the Kenyan police, who have faced accusations of human rights abuses in their home country, particularly during recent protests.
Foreign Intervention In Haiti A Mix Bag
Haiti’s new Prime Minister Garry Conille highlighted the complex history of foreign intervention in Haiti, referring to it as a “mixed bag” that includes instances of human rights abuses and a “lack of respect for sovereignty and local culture.”
Despite these reservations, some Haitians view the new mission with a sense of hope. Kenya has committed 1,000 police officers to the international force, with an initial 200 already on the ground.
Conille informed the U.N. Security Council that additional contingents would be arriving “very soon,” ultimately bringing the total force to 2,500 personnel.
This contingent will include officers from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica.
Conille, appointed by a transitional council in May, has been urged by U.S. officials to prioritize the establishment of an electoral council.
This step is seen as crucial for Haiti as it aims to stabilize and prepare for democratic elections in February 2026. Otunge emphasized that the mission’s goal is to “create security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections.”
Haitian police chief Normil Rameau also addressed the nation, outlining the mission’s focus on reclaiming areas under gang control, reinstating police presence in regions lacking authority, and aiding those displaced by gang violence to return to their homes. Over half a million people have been displaced due to the violence.
Details of future operations remain undisclosed for strategic reasons, as Haitian authorities aim to avoid tipping off the gangs.
Haiti’s call for international assistance in 2022 and subsequent appeals by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres for a leading nation culminated in Kenya stepping forward.
The gang crisis has escalated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. Gangs now exert control over an estimated 80% of Haiti’s capital, with a marked increase in killings, rapes, and kidnappings.
This surge in violence has also sparked the rise of civilian vigilante groups, leading to further unrest.
As the Kenyan-led force settles into its mission, the eyes of the world are on Haiti, hopeful for a turnaround yet wary of the complexities and challenges that lie ahead.
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