Haiti’s police chief, Frantz Elbe, is presently in Kenya for a three-day visit, gearing up for the prospective deployment of police forces aimed at combatting gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
During his stay, Mr. Elbe and his delegation engaged in “bilateral security discussions” with Kenya’s police chief, Japhet Koome, and other senior security officials, as announced by the Kenyan National Police Service.
This visit forms a part of the groundwork for the planned deployment of over 1,000 Kenyan police officers for the controversial Multinational Mission to Support Security (MSS), sanctioned by the UN two months ago, as reported by local Kenyan media.
According to The Star, the initial contingent of around 300 officers is set to be deployed by February next year.
The Kenyan parliament granted approval for this deployment last month. However, a high court extended orders restraining the move until a legal challenge into the plan reaches a resolution.
The proposed deployment has encountered substantial criticism, largely due to prior unsuccessful interventions in Haiti and a history of human rights violations by Kenyan police.
Kenya’s primary opposition figure, Raila Odinga, has denounced the intended deployment. In contrast, President William Ruto has supported the plan, emphasizing that “Africa is keen to contribute to the freedom and security of Haiti”.
Haiti grapples with the presence of approximately 300 active gangs, controlling roughly 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
