Theoretically the conditions, limitations and modalities under which the Kenyan force sponsored by the United States can use force and conduct operations in Haiti are defined in the Rules of Engagement (ROE).
In principle, these rules are designed to govern the actions of members of the Multinational Security and Stabilization Mission (MMSS) in Haiti in compliance with international laws, human rights and the objectives of the mission.
They aim to ensure that the operations of the Kenyan force in Haiti are carried out responsibly, with maximum precautions to protect civilians and respect international human rights standards.
The rules of engagement (ROE) of the Kenyan force in Haiti are specified in an official document developed and approved by stakeholders. This document is the result of collaboration between the UN, the Kenyan government, and the Haitian government.
Here is a 10-point presentation of the rules of engagement (ROE) of the Kenyan-led multinational force in Haiti with logistical support and funding from the United States of America:
Use of Minimum Force Kenyan forces must use force proportionately and only when absolutely necessary to protect human lives. Kenyan forces must always seek to minimize the use of force in their operations. This involves first using non-violent methods to manage crisis situations, such as negotiations and mediation. When it is necessary to use force, it should be as low as possible to achieve the objective, avoiding serious injury or death. Self-defense Deadly force may be used only in self-defense or to protect civilians from imminent threat of death or serious injury. The use of lethal force is strictly limited to situations of self-defense, that is, when there is an imminent and direct threat to the lives of Kenyan forces or civilians. Soldiers must be able to clearly identify a threat before using lethal force and must act in accordance with the principles of proportionality and necessity. Protection of Civilians: Priority to the protection of civilians, avoiding actions that could endanger the lives of non-combatants. Missions must be planned and executed with the utmost caution to avoid collateral damage and protect civilians. Protective patrols and checkpoints can be established in high-risk areas to ensure the safety of local populations. Respect for Human Rights All operations must be conducted in strict compliance with human rights and relevant international laws. Operations must be carried out in strict accordance with international human rights conventions, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions. Kenyan soldiers must receive regular human rights training to ensure they understand and respect these principles in all their actions. Coordination with Local Authorities The forces must work closely with local police forces and Haitian judicial institutions. Kenyan forces must work closely with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and other local authorities to ensure a coordinated and effective response to crises. This coordination includes information sharing, joint planning of operations and assistance to local forces in their law enforcement efforts. De-escalation of Conflicts Promote de-escalation measures and peaceful resolution of conflicts before resorting to force. Kenyan soldiers must be trained in de-escalation techniques, such as calming verbal communication, negotiation and crowd management. The goal is to resolve situations peacefully without resorting to violence, reducing tension and encouraging cooperation. Non-Lethal Interventions Prioritize the use of non-lethal equipment and techniques for crowd control and riot management. Non-lethal equipment, such as batons, shields, tear gas, and rubber bullets, should be used to control crowds and manage civil unrest situations. Soldiers must be trained in the proper use of this equipment to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing risk to civilians. Authorization of Operations All operations must be authorized in advance by mission command and comply with United Nations guidelines. Any operation involving the use of force must receive prior authorization from higher command, except in cases of absolute emergency requiring an immediate response. United Nations guidelines and specific agreements with the Haitian government must be strictly followed for all planned operations. Training and Awareness Kenyan forces must be trained and made aware of the cultural and social particularities of Haiti to better interact with the local population. Kenyan soldiers must receive extensive training on the cultural, social and linguistic aspects of Haiti to better understand and interact with the local population. Regular awareness programs should be implemented to address cultural differences and strengthen intercultural communication skills. Reporting and Transparency Incidents involving the use of force must be reported immediately and investigated transparently and rigorously to ensure accountability and transparency. All incidents involving the use of force must be documented and reported immediately to the chain of command. Transparent investigations should be conducted for each incident to determine compliance with the rules of engagement and identify potential violations. The results of investigations should be communicated to local and international authorities, and corrective action taken if necessary. Marcelin Montaigne
