The Kenyan government remains resolute in its plan to deploy hundreds of police officers to Haiti, despite the worsening gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki affirmed on Monday that the deployment of approximately 1,000 police officers to Haiti is in the pre-deployment phase. He also stated that laws and enforcement measures, including detention and arrests, have been finalized.
Mr. Kindiki assured that all issues raised in court, which had previously blocked the deployment, have been addressed by the Kenyan government. However, the exact departure date for the officers remains unspecified. Meanwhile, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned amidst mounting chaos fueled by gangs demanding his removal.
Mr. Henry’s visit to Kenya aimed to finalize a deal on the deployment of an international security force to address the violence. However, a coalition of gangs attacked police stations and stormed prisons during his absence, leading to further unrest. In response to the situation, US Secretary of State Blinken pledged an additional $100 million to support the 1,000-strong UN-backed security force expected to be led by Kenya in Haiti.
Source: BBC News