Why US Wants Kenyan-Led Police Mission in Haiti Replaced

The fate of the ongoing Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti now hangs in the balance following reports that the United States (US) plans to have it replaced by a peacekeeping operation led by the United Nations (UN).

The US and Ecuador on Friday circulated a draft resolution asking the UN to begin planning for a peacekeeping operation to replace the Kenya-led mission, as reported by The Associated Press.

The proposed Security Council resolution by the two countries says that UN peacekeepers are needed “in order to sustain the gains” made by the Kenyan police in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP).

The Carribean country has been ridden with gun violence that saw the assassination of the former President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Moise was killed by armed men during a gun battle with security forces in Port-au-Prince.

US to replace Kenyan police in Haiti — Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. PHOTO/ X -Kithure Kindiki

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Recent Visit to Haiti

The proposal sent to all 15 council members follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Haiti on Thursday.

In his visit, Blinken reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to the multinational mission and pushed for the long-awaited general elections.

He also supported consideration of a peacekeeping operation.

“At this critical moment, we do need more funding, we do need more personnel to sustain and carry out the objectives of this mission,” Blinken told the press.

He added that the US is working to renew the mission, “but we also want to make sure that we have something that’s reliable, that’s sustainable. We’ll look at every option to do that. A peacekeeping operation would be one such option”.

Blinken met acting Haiti Prime Minister (PM) Garry Conille and a nine-member transitional presidential council that was created following the resignation of former PM Ariel Henry.

Also read: Challenges Kenya Police Officers Are Facing in Haiti

Kenyan Commander in Haiti Plan to Deal with Notorious Gang Leaders

Recently, the commander of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti Godfrey Otunge revealed plans to deal with dreaded Haiti gang leaders.

Otunge made the revelations in an interview with The Miami Herald where he reflected on the mission’s challenges and needs, maintaining that the mission, which currently has 400 Kenyan police officers in Haiti, is well poised to restore “the lost glory of security” to Haiti.

“I can tell you that Lanmo Sanjou, his days are numbered. Take it to the bank, because we came here for a reason. We came here with a purpose. We came here to do something, and we must do it,” he said.

Otunge distinguished the current situation from a conventional war, stressing that it involves gang violence rather than organized terrorism.

He also praised the Haiti National Police officers for their bravery, acknowledging that while they may lack certain resources, their courage and commitment are commendable.