Kenya is set to deploy more than 200 police officers to Haiti after the reopening of the country’s main international and domestic airports in Port-au-Prince. The decision comes after a temporary shutdown of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport and the Guy Malary domestic airport in November following a series of gang-related incidents that included gunfire targeting U.S.-licensed airlines and flights. The closure forced delays and changes in deployment plans for Kenyan officers who were ready to assist in stabilizing the Caribbean nation.
The closure of the airports was prompted by an alarming security incident on November 11 when a Spirit Airlines flight was hit by gunfire as it approached Port-au-Prince. Despite the lack of injuries to passengers, the incident underscored the dire security situation in Haiti and led to the prohibition of U.S.-licensed airlines from flying into the capital’s airports for 30 days. This hiatus affected Kenya’s plans to dispatch additional personnel to Haiti, but with the recent reopening, authorities now have the green light to send the officers.
The Kenyan police officers on standby are members of the General Service Unit (GSU), Anti Stock Theft Unit, and Rapid Deployment Unit. Notably, the team includes an all-female Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) trained to handle gender-specific issues, including female suspects and victims of gender-based violence. This deployment is part of Kenya’s involvement in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is aimed at restoring peace and order in Haiti amid a backdrop of escalating gang violence. The team graduated in November and underwent intensive pre-deployment training, making them ready to assist in the Kenyan-led effort alongside other international partners.
The current mission to Haiti follows a turbulent year marked by escalating violence and insecurity. United Nations figures reported that more than 5,000 people have died in Haiti this year due to gang-related violence, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention. The Kenyan team, equipped with paramilitary training and combat skills, is among the first line of defense against the criminal activities that have destabilized the country. The MSS mission, which includes contributions from other countries, aims to supplement the efforts of the Haitian National Police (HNP) in reclaiming territory from gangs and providing humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Haiti’s situation has been increasingly dire, with gangs controlling significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and conducting brutal attacks on civilians. In recent weeks, a powerful gang leader orchestrated a massacre that left nearly 200 people dead, underscoring the violence’s shocking brutality. The Kenyan police have already deployed the first batch of about 400 officers, and with this new contingent, their efforts will be bolstered further. The team’s role will involve securing key infrastructure, providing security for aid deliveries, and assisting in community stabilization efforts in collaboration with the Haitian authorities.
Kenya’s involvement in Haiti marks its commitment to international peacekeeping, following its participation in various missions across the world. The deployment in Haiti is particularly significant as it involves the specialized skills of the SWAT team to deal with the specific challenges posed by gang violence and criminal activity in the Caribbean nation. The Kenyan officers are expected to leave on December 14, ready to assist in managing the volatile security situation that remains a major challenge for Haiti.
The Kenyan government and its international partners, including the UN and the US, have expressed their commitment to supporting Haiti’s stabilization efforts. The MSS mission, while still in its early stages, represents a significant step towards restoring peace and security in the country. As the deployment draws nearer, it is crucial that the Kenyan officers are prepared for the complexities of the environment they will be working in, where gang violence, political instability, and economic hardship continue to impede progress.
In conclusion, Kenya’s deployment of over 200 police officers to Haiti signifies a major international effort to address the country’s growing security crisis. While the situation remains volatile, the Kenyan-led MSS mission aims to provide the necessary support to reclaim territory from gangs, stabilize communities, and bring a semblance of order to a nation struggling with violence. As the officers prepare to depart, the international community looks to this mission as a crucial step in Haiti’s path to recovery and peace.
