UN Deploys Kenyan Troops in Haiti
A Haitian police officer arrests a man in downtown Port-au-Prince (Flickr).
The UN approved the deployment of Kenyan forces into Haiti to curb gang violence with thirteen votes on October 2, 2023. Gangs have had a strong political presence in Haiti since the 1970s, with Haiti struggling to find political stability as a result of undemocratic elections, corrupted officials, and devastating natural disasters. Currently, Haiti has no functioning government, allowing the gangs unchecked political and social power.
The rise to power of gangs has resulted from deep socioeconomic instability in the region. These problems have been worsened through a series of natural disasters including the 2010 earthquake, hurricanes, and a cholera outbreak that killed nearly 10,000 people. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 largely decimated Haiti’s agricultural industry. This disaster worsened economic problems on top of the infrastructural consequences of the hurricane itself. Currently, Haiti is the poorest country in Latin America with an average daily income of just over $3 and 4.7 million people facing acute hunger.
In the context of harsh economic conditions, political corruption in Haiti has thrived. After the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has lacked official leadership and gangs have taken control of the country, with G9 and GPèp dominating regionally.
Violence has run rampant with over 2,400 people killed from January to August 2023 and additional civilians kidnapped, injured, and thousands more displaced. De facto Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry first asked for international help in October 2022 with the country facing extensive gang violence and chaos, but his request went largely unanswered until now.
The United States and Ecuador drafted a proposed resolution to send Kenyan troops into Haiti after Kenya offered to lead the mission in July. The resolution allows for deployment for one year and troops are expected to reach Haiti in two to three months. Additionally, the Biden administration has promised $100 million dollars and logistical support for the mission.
Haiti and Prime Minister Ariel Henry have thanked the UN for its approval and expressed hope for a more stable and peaceful country despite the continuing and pervasive violence.
However, critics worry about the potential consequence of an armed mission given the history of international intervention in Haiti. There have been three interventions in Haiti since the early 1900s. Each had little positive impact and failed to create lasting stability, with one mission even credited with starting the devastating cholera outbreak.
Critics also cite historical violence and abuse by the Kenyan military. In July, the Kenyan army shot and killed thirty-five Kenyan civilians who were protesting rising taxes and cost of living. This incident raised concerns in Haiti about the potential of excessive use of force.
To counteract these fears, the resolution was carefully crafted to protect against abuse and unnecessary violence. In order to quell preemptive worries, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated, “I can assure you the U.S. will engage on these issues very, very aggressively.”
Despite concerns over the Kenyan military, Haitian officials are anxious for the arrival of troops and turn their hopes towards a future of peace and structure.