Frantz Elbe, Haiti’s police chief, is presently in Kenya for a three-day visit, paving the way for the anticipated deployment of police forces to address rampant gang violence in Haiti.
During his stay, Mr. Elbe and his delegation engaged in “bilateral security discussions” with Japhet Koome, Kenya’s police chief, and other high-ranking security officials, as announced by the Kenyan National Police Service.
This visit is part of the groundwork for the proposed deployment of more than 1,000 Kenyan police officers for the controversial Multinational Mission to Support Security (MSS), authorized by the UN two months ago, as reported by local Kenyan media outlets.
The Star reported that an initial group of approximately 300 officers is slated for deployment by February of the following year.
Although Kenya’s parliament approved this deployment last month, a high court has extended orders restraining the move until a legal challenge to the plan is resolved.
The proposed deployment has faced significant criticism, largely due to past unsuccessful interventions in Haiti and a history of human rights violations by Kenyan police.
Kenya’s primary opposition figure, Raila Odinga, has denounced the intended deployment. In contrast, President William Ruto has supported the plan, emphasizing that “Africa is keen to contribute to the freedom and security of Haiti”.
Haiti continues to grapple with the presence of about 300 active gangs that control approximately 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.