Reciprocal Police Deployment Agreement between Kenya and Haiti: A Move by President Ruto
Kenya and Haiti have recently come into a mutual accord that authorizes the deployment of Kenyan police officers to take command of a United Nations-endorsed mission aimed at restoring law and order within the Caribbean country, plagued by gang violence. This announcement was made public by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Table of Contents
- The Agreement
- The Situation in Haiti
- Kenya’s Response
- The Court’s Ruling
- The UN Security Council’s Stance
- Opposition’s Reaction
- Haiti’s Current State
- Gang Leader’s Threat
- Political Instability in Haiti
- Kenya’s Commitment
- Haiti’s Economic Condition
- Conclusion
The Agreement
In a recent press statement, President Ruto disclosed that he and Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry had thoroughly discussed the necessary measures to expedite the deployment process. However, it remains unclear whether this agreement will counteract a court verdict passed earlier this year that labeled the deployment as “unconstitutional”.
The Situation in Haiti
This agreement was signed amidst a scenario where the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, was besieged by lethal gang-related violence, leading to the closure of businesses and schools and the cancellation of flights.
Kenya’s Response
The Kenyan government had previously expressed its readiness to deploy up to 1,000 personnel, an offer that was well received by the United States and other countries that had ruled out deploying their own forces on the ground.
The Court’s Ruling
A court in Nairobi had earlier declared the decision to deploy Kenyan forces as unconstitutional, primarily because no reciprocal agreement existed between the two countries at the time.
The UN Security Council’s Stance
The UN Security Council had given its approval for this mission in early October, but concerns in Kenya over Nairobi’s involvement led to a court challenge.
Opposition’s Reaction
Ekuru Aukot, an opposition politician who had filed the petition against the deployment, voiced his intentions to lodge a contempt of court case. He further questioned the legitimacy of the “secretive agreement”.
Haiti’s Current State
Haiti, the Western hemisphere’s poorest nation, has been in turmoil for years, with armed gangs taking over parts of the country and unleashing brutal violence, leaving the economy and public health system in tatters.
Gang Leader’s Threat
A prominent gang leader, known as “Barbecue”, warned of launching attacks on state security forces with the aim of ousting Prime Minister Henry. He made this declaration via a social media video just before the battles began.
Political Instability in Haiti
Currently, Haiti is without any elected officials. Prime Minister Ariel Henry was sworn in with the backing of the international community shortly after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
Kenya’s Commitment
President Ruto reemphasized Kenya’s commitment to contributing to the success of this multinational mission. He stated that this is a historic duty because peace in Haiti is good for the world as a whole.
Haiti’s Economic Condition
Haiti’s economy and public health system are in dire straits due to the prevailing violence and political instability.
