The peacekeeping mission in Haiti has received a significant boost with the arrival of an additional 200 Kenyan police officers on Tuesday, July 17.

This second contingent joins the first batch of Kenyan officers who landed in the capital Port-au-Prince nearly a month ago.

The Kenyan-led mission is aimed at helping the nation combat the rampant gang violence experienced over the years with gangs controlling at least 80% of the capital.

Normil Rameau, the new chief of Haiti’s National Police, welcomed the second contingent’s arrival and expressed his eagerness to work alongside them.

“We are happy to work side-by-side with the Kenyans, in the name of the government, we give them a warm welcome,” said the police chief.

Commander Otunge

The Second batch’s arrival acme after the remarks made by Commander Godfrey Otunge, head of the Kenyan police in Haiti, affirming their commitment to fulfilling their mandate and bring peace to Haiti.

Otunge, in his first ever public address emphasized that there was “no room for failure” in their efforts to combat the powerful gangs that have been wreaking havoc in the Carribean nation.

Also Read: Haiti: Kenyan Commander Reveals Why UN Mission is Must-Win After Crucial Victory on Sunday

“We have a job that we are committed to do,” said the Commander.

Additionally, he expressed his optimism about the mission’s success, stating that they would closely work with their Haitian counterparts in their bid to restore peace to Haiti.

“We intend to achieve this by working closely with Haitian authorities and local and international partners dedicated to a new Haiti,” said Otunge.

Concerns Raised About the Kenyan Police in Haiti

A week earlier United Nations Security Council strongly condemned “the extreme levels of armed violence” in Haiti stating that it was undermining stability and security in the country and the region.

While some Haitians have welcomed the Kenyan officers, others remain cautious.

There are concerns that the mission may only provide temporary relief, as certain politicians and business owners have long-standing ties to the gangs.

Also Read: Haiti Asks for More Kenyan Police Weeks After First Deployment

Additionally, the Kenyan police force has faced allegations of abuse, including extrajudicial killings, in their own country, raising concerns about their behavior in Haiti.

The mission also faces skepticism due to the failures of previous foreign interventions in Haiti, which have been marred by allegations of sexual assault and the introduction of cholera.

Despite these challenges, the Kenyan-led mission is seen as a crucial in addressing the crisis in Haiti, which has left over 1.5 million people at risk of starvation due to the devastating impact of gang violence.

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