Title: The deployment of multinational forces in Haiti: Kenya at the head of the contingent
Introduction :
On October 2, the UN Security Council agreed to the deployment of a multinational force in Haiti, with Kenya leading the operation. However, the Kenyan justice system suspended this deployment until October 24, following a complaint from the opposition, considering that this goes against the country’s constitution. Since then, the Kenyan government has been struggling to convince both parliamentarians and public opinion of the relevance of this mission.
Criticisms and doubts:
Since the announcement of the UN vote, numerous criticisms have emerged in Kenya. Some believe that there are more pressing security priorities in the country, while others doubt the abilities of Kenyan police officers to intervene in an unfamiliar environment and a language they do not master.
A response from the Kenyan president:
Faced with these criticisms, Kenyan President William Ruto spoke out to defend this mission. He highlighted Kenya’s experience in peacekeeping missions abroad and stressed that Kenyan police officers would not be alone in Haiti. According to him, participating in this mission would be a “huge honor for Kenya”.
The government’s position:
The interior minister also defended the deployment, saying it was an honor for the country and saying Kenya would not fund the mission. UN member states would be charged with this responsibility. Despite the Court’s suspension, the minister stressed that preparations would continue.
Next steps:
The Kenyan government has officially approved the sending of police officers to Haiti, but this decision must still be validated by Parliament in the coming days. In addition, a team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will travel to the United Nations to discuss this mission.
Conclusion :
Despite criticism and doubts, the Kenyan government remains determined to lead the multinational force in Haiti. With its experience in peacekeeping missions and its willingness to take on this challenge, Kenya hopes to demonstrate its ability to contribute to international stability.