Kenyan delegation probes solutions to Haiti's gang crisis

A delegation from Kenya has arrived in Haiti to evaluate the best methods to combat the ongoing issue of gang violence in the Caribbean country.

The visit follows Nairobi’s proposal to command a multinational force for this task.

Assisting an overwhelmed police force

Reports are that Haiti’s police force is severely understaffed and under-resourced, with a mere 10,000 officers serving a population of over 11 million.

Kenya’s involvement aims to fill this critical gap.

A multinational effort under Kenya’s leadership

The United States earlier this month expressed support, announcing plans to propose a United Nations Security Council resolution.

This resolution would authorize Kenya to spearhead a multinational police force, contributing 1,000 officers. However, the exact timeline for the resolution remains unclear.

More on Haiti's gang violence

• Rampant gang attacks in Haitian capital leave 30 dead
• Haiti’s capital sees massive exodus amidst rising gang threats
• Haiti’s gang violence: Rights group pleads for swift international intervention
• Haiti’s cry for safety: Thousands protest against mounting gang threats

Collaborative talks and initial meetings

Reports are that the Kenyan delegation, comprised of 10 members, held its inaugural meeting with Haitian officials on Monday.

It is further reported that before arriving in Haiti, the Kenyan delegation met with various countries and groups in New York to align on how best to assist the country.

A grim reality: Uncontrolled violence

From January 1 until August 15,  more than 2,400 individuals were killed with over 950 kidnappings and another 902 injuries reported, according to U.N. statistics.

Gangs now hold sway over an alarming 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince, resulting in over 200,000 displaced persons.

International understanding of Haitian needs

The Kenyan officials asserted that the countries they met with recognize the severity of Haiti’s situation and the pressing necessity to alleviate conditions that threaten the nation’s future and daily operations.

Kenya’s fact-finding mission in Haiti concludes on Wednesday.

 

More on global assistance for Haiti

• Haiti’s gang violence: Rights group pleads for swift international intervention


• Bahamas to deploy 150 police officers to Haiti amid violence


• Jamaica’s PM calls on EU amplify funding for Haiti’s humanitarian crisis


• UN Secretary-General says Haiti urgently needs international security force and humanitarian aid