Around 1,000 Kenyan police officers are set to be deployed to Haiti in a bid to combat raging gang violence. Last year, Kenya volunteered to lead a United Nations-backed mission in the gang-riven Caribbean nation. The agreement between Kenya and Haiti was signed on Friday, with the aim of salvaging the plan for the African country to deploy its police force to restore law and order.

Kenya-Haiti Agreement Signed

Kenya and Haiti signed agreements on Friday in an effort to salvage the plan for Kenya’s police deployment to Haiti. The agreement, seen as reciprocal, was made to tackle the escalating gang violence in Haiti. Kenya had previously volunteered to lead a UN-backed mission in the Caribbean nation, following which the two countries signed the agreement. The deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers is part of an international effort to reverse Haiti’s rapid descent into lawlessness.

International Support for Haiti

Several countries have formally notified the United Nations of their intent to contribute personnel to address the security crisis in Haiti. The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad have all pledged to provide support. The Republic of Benin, in particular, has committed to deploying 2,000 troops as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. In total, the United Nations has received notifications of intent from five countries. This international effort hopes to help the Haitian national police fight against armed gangs and restore stability to the country.

Opposition and Doubts

While Kenya and Haiti have signed the agreement, opposition politicians in Kenya have already voiced their concerns. There are doubts regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of deploying Kenyan police officers to Haiti. However, the Haitian prime minister’s visit to Kenya is aimed at salvaging the plan and addressing any reservations. The United States ambassador has also confirmed Benin’s offer to provide 2,000 troops to support the planned Kenyan-led international force, emphasizing the continued support for Haiti’s battle against gang violence.

Summary List of News:

• Around 1,000 Kenyan police officers will be deployed to Haiti to combat gang violence.
• Kenya and Haiti signed a reciprocal agreement to deploy Kenyan police to Haiti.
• Several countries, including Benin, have pledged personnel to address the security crisis in Haiti.
• Opposition politicians in Kenya are expressing concerns about the deployment of Kenyan police officers.
• Haiti’s prime minister is visiting Kenya to salvage the plan for police deployment.
• The United States ambassador has confirmed Benin’s offer of 2,000 troops to aid Haiti in the fight against armed gangs.

Sources: Kenya, Haiti sign ‘reciprocal’ agreement on police deployment: Ruto (AP News)