Why Kenyan Police is Crucial for Haiti National Elections
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has agreed to hold general elections by mid-2025 following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on 7 July 2021.
This resolution comes at a critical juncture as the international community continues to push for Kenya’s police to intervene and restore peace in the country, thereby facilitating the smooth running of the general elections.
The National Police Service has been in the middle of international conversations following President Ruto’s commitment to sending the force to help curb gang-related crimes that have plagued the Central American state.
Despite not being inclined to deploy its troops to the Caribbean nation, the United States has offered to fund international forces.
Kenya has taken the lead in a multitask force effort, with President William Ruto pledging to send 1000 police officers to spearhead peace restoration operations.
However, following last week’s standoff, where Kenyan ministers leading the Kenya-Haiti talks abruptly pulled out of a video call meeting, the elections now stand in limbo.
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PM Ariel also jetted into Kenya today, February 29, seeking Ruto’s help in restoring peace in the country and preparing for the elections.
During the meeting with the PM, Ruto stated that Kenya would still associate itself with Haiti, as both nations share the same origin.
“We are offering the experience and expertise of our police officers in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti as mandated by the United Nations Security Council and as guided by our courts,” Ruto stated.
Benin has also offered 2000 troops for the same cause as long as they are not leading the mission.
As of now, Ruto has not released an official communication on when he will release the troops, as the High Court has barred the motion, placing a roadblock on the diplomatic mission.
On January 26, the High Court in Nairobi declared police deployment to Haiti unconstitutional.
In a ruling delivered by Judge Chacha Mwita, it was noted that the National Security Police did not have the power to deploy police officers outside the country.
Why Kenyan Police is Crucial for Haiti National Elections