The President of Kenya, William Ruto, is scheduled to meet with Joe Biden in Washington, DC, as part of his visit to the United States. This visit aims to strengthen economic and security ties and initiate a police mission to Haiti that had been delayed.
President Ruto’s visit comes at a time when the US administration is focused on enhancing relationships with African nations due to heightened competition from China and Russia on the continent.
The deployment of a Kenya-led police force to Haiti, authorized by the UN Security Council, was stalled due to violence by armed groups in Port-au-Prince. However, preparations are now in progress, with a potential deployment of around 2,500 members.
Kenyan officials are finalizing arrangements for the mission, hoping to overcome remaining issues with US involvement in financing and arms control in Haiti. The decision for Kenya to lead this mission has sparked some opposition at home, with concerns about human rights violations by the Kenyan police force.
As Haiti grapples with escalating violence and political uncertainty, the need for security intervention is evident. The deployment of a multinational force led by Kenya may help restore order, although challenges remain due to the lack of a stable government in Haiti.
Efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and empower the population remain crucial to achieving sustainable peace in Haiti. The involvement of external forces must be carefully managed to prevent repeating past mistakes and ensure a more positive impact on the Haitian people.
