Special Council for Haiti Casts Doubt on Safety of Kenyan Police

President William Ruto with Kenyan police officers at Karen home during his tenure as Deputy President.
President William Ruto with Kenyan police officers at Karen home during his tenure as Deputy President.
DPPS

The nine-member council appointed to develop a framework for a 22-month transitional government in Haiti has finally released the rules of engagement.

According to the Miami Herald, a US outlet that has followed the conflict up close, the accord was delivered on Sunday evening and includes a requirement for immediate selection of a new Prime Minister.

Of concern, however, the council committed to the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission headed by Kenyan troops.

The Members, however, failed to express with certainty that the Haitian population would welcome the troops leaving the safety of the officers in danger.

A group of gang members fleeing during violence in Haiti
A group of gang members fleeing during violence in Haiti
Photo
Jefferson City Tribute

In January, the Belgium-based International Crisis Group (ICG) warned that the troops would face insurmountable challenges once they landed in Haiti.

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. 

A former envoy from the United States had also cautioned the country that it needed to send over 20,000 troop members explaining that the 1,000 officers offered were way too low.

“The police are completely outnumbered and outgunned by the gangs. Where are the prison facilities to put thousands of gang members? Is the international community suggesting that we kill thousands of lads?” ICG questioned.

The council members further ratified that it would make the country's palace its headquarters despite gangs targeting its guards and has prioritised the swearing-in of a new President after elections before 2026.

The council also gave itself the power to name people to a number of newly created agencies, including a national-security commission.

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. 

The exercise of deploying the troops has been on ice since Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign after finding it difficult to fly back into the country after his Nairobi trip. The deployment awaited a verdict from the council.

Members of a gang in Haiti carrying guns on the streets
Members of a gang in Haiti carrying guns on the streets
Photo
PBS
  • . . .