The United Nations (UN) Security Council on October 2, 2023, voted for Kenya to go ahead and deploy Police officers in Haiti to fight gangs and restore peace and security.
The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with ensuring international peace and security.
The council will develop the framework for and authorize a one-year deployment of an international force, with a review after nine months. Kenya will deploy its forces to Haiti by January 2024.
Leaders of the mission will be required to inform the UN Council on the mission’s goals, rules of engagement, financial needs, and other matters before a full deployment.
The UN Security Council is sending in help to stop the gangs so that Haiti can hold the long-delayed elections.
Dr. Alfred N. Mukuka, cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs of Kenya said the mandate is not only about peace and security but also about the rebuilding of Haiti’s politics, economic development, and social stability.
He added that it will mark a new beginning and a new chapter for the fathers, mothers and children in Haiti.
Last month, when Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, was addressing the United Nations General Assembly, he said that the worsening security situation has caused an urgent humanitarian need, and he called on the Security Council to take immediate action on the matter.
Close to 200,000 people have been internally displaced in Haiti, according to recent United Nations estimates.
