Kenya’s Deployment Of Police Officers To Haiti Put On Hold Following Political Turmoil
Kenya’s deployment of police officers to Haiti has been put on hold following the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry on March 12th.
Reason for Delay
Lack of Stable Government- Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei stated that without an established government in Haiti, there’s no functioning authority for deployed forces to collaborate with.
“There has been a fundamental change in the circumstances as a result of the resignation of the PM. Without a political administration in Haiti, there is no anchor on which a police deployment can rest, hence the government of Kenya will await the installation of a new constitutional authority in Haiti, before taking further decisions on the matter. Kenya reiterates commitment to providing leadership to the multinational security support,” the PS said in an interview with BBC.
Kenya is committed to contributing to the international security effort in Haiti. The government will wait for the appointment of a new Haitian administration before making further decisions regarding deployment. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had earlier indicated preparations for troop deployment were progressing smoothly. Rumors about officer withdrawal due to escalating violence were dismissed by CS Kindiki.
Prime Minister Henry’s resignation came amidst pressure from neighboring countries, the US, and internal rebel groups.
Kenya was slated to contribute 1,000 police officers as part of a UN-authorized mission.
Overall, Kenya’s deployment to Haiti is currently on hold due to the recent political upheaval in the Caribbean nation.
