The Kenya Times | Questions as photos show kenyan police guarding US Embassy in Haiti
Deployment of Kenyan Police in Haiti: Questions and Controversies Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Questions have been raised by Kenyans over the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti after photos emerged showing them guarding the US embassy.
Photos published by The Associated Press show armed Kenyan police officers outside the embassy compound in Haiti. In another photo, an embassy gardener is seen walking past another Kenyan police officer outside the building.
Online, Kenyans have questioned the role of police officers in the Caribbean country, with some arguing that it is inappropriate for officers to protect a US-owned facility. Meanwhile, users on X have questioned whether the government has put in place adequate measures to ensure that the roles of police officers are clearly defined.
Kenyan police officers at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti
“Were they sent to Haiti to deal with the gangs or to defend the US embassy? What is going on? The US should use its own forces that are nearby,” asked Robert Alai, MCA of Kileleshwa.
“Participating in proxy wars for a check? This is so stupid,” added X user Justin Wandah.
Role of Kenyan police in Haiti In July 2023, Kenya volunteered to lead an international force to combat violence in Haiti, where gangs control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince. These gangs have caused disruption in the country, leading to killings, kidnappings and sexual violence.
The move was authorised by President William Ruto after approval by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023. Among the roles assigned to the forces are protecting key government installations, including offices and the airport, as the transitional government strives to restore order.
As a result, the first contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in the Haitian capital on Tuesday, June 25.
The police’s mandate is to assist the Haitian police in securing key infrastructure and combating criminal groups, which control almost the entire country’s capital and are responsible for numerous abuses.
The Caribbean country has been rocked by violence in recent months after gangs declared war on the government of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in February.
According to the United Nations, more than 2,500 people were killed or injured across the country between January and March, while at least 95,000 people fled the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Financial needs of Kenyan police officers Since the police arrived, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has praised their initial performance, describing their arrival as a “new era” for the country’s security.
In a speech to the United Nations Security Council on July 3, Conille highlighted the crucial role of Kenyan police in combating gangs and facilitating the transition to democratic elections in Haiti.
“The arrival of the first contingent of Multinational Security Support marks the beginning of a new era in Haiti,” Conille said.
However, the MSS mission is threatened by insufficient funding. Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez has made an urgent appeal to all countries that have pledged funds for the MSS to fulfill their commitments and deposit these funds as soon as possible.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) noted that without adequate funding, the mission would not be able to complete the 12-month deployment, whose mandate ends in October.
Notably, the United States pledged $309 million to the police mission, the largest contribution of any country. However, reports indicate that the funding has yet to arrive.
Haiti Mission: Uproar as Kenyan Police Sent to Guard Embassy (thekenyatimes.com)
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