Caribbean News
Kenyan Security Forces Arrive in Haiti
Danae Dennie
Staff Writer
#Haiti, July 5, 2024 – Hundreds of Kenyan police officers are now set up in Haiti; sent in on a UN Security Council vote to lead a multi-national force which is aimed at ending the unchecked violence, staving off any further humanitarian crisis and bringing stability to the republic in an effort to hold a General Election.
On June 25th some 400 Kenyan security officers arrived at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince marking the beginning of their security mission of multinational police support. This number is hoped to grow to 2,500 with help from other
William Ruto, Kenyan President on held a departure ceremony for the officers saying to them, “This mission is one of the most urgent, important and historic in the history of global solidarity. It is a mission to affirm the universal values of the community of nations, a mission to take a stand for humanity.”
The agreements signed between Haiti and Kenya grant many privileges.
Kenyan police officers have been given immunity from criminal, civil and administrative jurisdiction for acts performed in the exercise of their official duties. They are also exempt from taxes and duties on salaries and emoluments paid by the Kenyan government.
The President of The United States Of America shared his support of this mission in a press release on Tuesday.
“Today, with strong support from the United States, Kenyan forces part of the Multinational Security Support Mission arrived in Haiti, beginning an effort that will bring much needed relief to Haitians. Rampant gang violence has killed or harmed thousands of children, women, and men. Over half a million people have been displaced” said Joe Biden
“The people of Haiti deserve to feel safe in their homes, build better lives for their families, and enjoy democratic freedoms. Haiti’s future depends on the return to democratic governance. While these goals may not be accomplished overnight, this mission provides the best chance of achieving them.”
Interim Prime Minister and former U.N official, Gary Conille, shared his thoughts on the security mission.
“The government and the Haitian people hope that this multinational mission will be the last one to help it stabilize for the return to effective democracy,” said Conille.
Photo credit: Haitian Times