Kenya’s High Court Blocks U.N.-Backed Deployment of Kenyan Police to Haiti
In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s high court has halted the U.N.-backed deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti. The decision comes as a blow to Haiti, which has been grappling with escalating gang violence and had requested immediate assistance from a foreign armed force. The court ruled that Kenya’s National Security Council, led by the president, lacks the authority to deploy regular police officers outside the country. While the offer from Kenya was seen as noble, it needed to be carried out in accordance with the constitution, according to Judge Chacha Mwita.
The ruling was made in response to an application from Ekuru Aukot, the leader of the Thirdway Alliance Party, who argued that the government’s plan to send officers to Haiti was illegal. The Kenyan government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, has stated that they will appeal the decision. However, many experts and organizations have supported the court’s ruling, emphasizing the need for Haitians to lead solutions for their country’s security challenges.
Laurent Uwumuremyi, the Mercy Corps Country Director for Haiti, expressed support for the High Court’s decision. He highlighted the disastrous consequences of previous international peacekeeping missions and interventions in Haiti, such as the U.N. mission MINUSTAH deployed from 2004 to 2017. Uwumuremyi emphasized that any intervention should be led by Haitians themselves and should prioritize stability, respect for human rights and humanitarian laws, and not hinder aid operations or exacerbate violence.
The situation in Haiti has reached a critical point, with an unprecedented surge in gang violence. According to the U.N. secretary-general’s special envoy for Haiti, Maria Isabel Salvador, the number of victims killed, injured, and kidnapped last year more than doubled compared to 2022. Gangs in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, control an estimated 80% of the city and were responsible for 83% of the killings and injuries. They have also expanded their influence into other regions, including the Artibonite region, considered Haiti’s food basket.
Guy Philippe, a former rebel leader in Haiti, made a plea to Kenyans not to allow their police or military to be deployed to Haiti. Philippe argued that the current Haitian government lacks legitimacy and is supporting gangs, engaging in violence, and serving the interests of imperialism. He warned that if Kenyan forces were deployed, they would be seen as supporting an illegitimate government and would become enemies of the Haitian people.
Kenyan authorities had previously announced that the first group of approximately 300 officers was expected to arrive in Haiti by February. The total number of Kenyan officers was set to reach 1,000, leading a multinational force of 3,000 troops from countries like Burundi, Chad, Senegal, Jamaica, and Belize. However, with the court’s ruling, this deployment has been put on hold.
The decision by Kenya’s high court has sparked mixed reactions. While some view it as a setback for Haiti’s efforts to combat gang violence, others see it as an opportunity for Haitians to take charge of their own security and find sustainable solutions. As the situation in Haiti continues to worsen, it remains to be seen how the country will address its security challenges and restore stability without external assistance.
