Kenyan Police Lead Renewed Efforts Against Haitian Gangs

A new contingent of Kenyan police has arrived in Haiti, marking the first foreign deployment since the U.N. approved expanding a gang-fighting force. Kenya leads the mission, which faces challenges with underfunding and relies on international donations, primarily from Canada and the U.S., to combat Haitian gangs.

A substantial group of 230 Kenyan police officers has arrived in Haiti as the first foreign deployment after the U.N. Security Council sanctioned an expansion of the Caribbean island's gang-fighting force. This move is significant as it marks the first personnel deployment since February, currently boosting the force to 980 members.

The mission, led by Kenya, aims to counteract the escalating influence of gangs armed with U.S.-sourced firearms, which have increasingly taken control over Haiti's capital and central regions. The current conflict has resulted in mass displacements, affecting 1.4 million people. With an intended total strength of 5,500 personnel, the mission has struggled to meet targets, receiving contributions from other nations such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

Financing remains a challenge with the United States, despite having contributed over a billion dollars in logistical support, limiting further financial assistance. Canada leads financial contributions with $63 million, yet overall donations are significantly below the projected $800 million annual budget needed. The fund equals $113 million, reflecting a substantial shortfall in required resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)