Kenya’s President William Ruto arrived in Haiti on Saturday, claiming that the Kenyan police force deployed to combat gangs has greatly improved the country’s security. His statement comes amid rising concerns over gang violence that continues to plague Haiti.
Ruto’s remarks, however, contradict a recent assessment by a United Nations security expert, who warned that violence is escalating as gangs tighten their grip on the country. The expert expressed doubts about the effectiveness of international interventions.
Upon landing, Ruto was greeted by armed officers and officials before meeting with the Kenyan police unit stationed in Haiti, along with Haitian and Canadian officials. He asserted that the Kenyan forces had strengthened security infrastructure, allowing some displaced residents to return home. However, many locals report that violence remains as severe as before.
Ruto emphasized the importance of assessing the progress of the Kenyan forces before heading to New York for discussions with U.N. leaders. These talks will likely focus on supporting Kenyan and Jamaican forces struggling to contain the gangs.
Kenya was the first to send troops as part of a U.N. mission after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Despite the presence of 400 Kenyan officers, gangs still control nearly 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with calls for more international resources.
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