A report by Belgium-based International Crisis Group (ICG) dated Friday, January 5, warned President William Ruto’s government that Kenyan police officers would face insurmountable challenges should they be deployed to Haiti.
While Ruto has already committed to the international community that Kenya would bring peace to the gang-infested Caribbean nation, ICG worried if Kenyan police officers were well-equipped to handle such.
The 1,000 officers set to be deployed will face internal sabotage from the Haitian government as the report identified corruption between Haitian police, politicians and gangs reigning terror to the vulnerable populace.
ICG further noted that the country was experiencing overcrowded prisons and apart from the police officers being compromised, they were also outnumbered.
Additionally, the Belgium-based group noted that the Kenyan police force being deployed could find it impossible to protect civilians in urban warfare.
“The police are completely outnumbered and outgunned by the gangs,” the report warned.
The International Crisis Group further in its report noted that already the gangs numbering over 300 had taken control of 80 per cent of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.
“Where are the prison facilities to put thousands of gang members? Is the international community suggesting that we kill thousands of lads?” a security expert interviewed by ICG wondered.
“What structures are in place to reintegrate these young people into society? I’m appalled by what’s left unsaid.”
Additionally, most Haitians think the Kenyan police will have little impact.
Already, 200,000 citizens have fled the war-torn country with the gangs killing estimated 4,000 people and kidnapping 3,000 in 2023.
Kenya is expected to be boosted by troops from Burundi, Chad, Senegal, Jamaica and Belize in keeping peace in Haiti.
It is not clear when or whether Kenya will deploy troops to the Haitian nation as the High Court on October 2023 extended a pause on Haiti deployment.
This was in regard to a case filed by Lawyer Ekuru Aukot who argued the deployment was unconstitutional as it was not backed by any law or treaty.
