In response to the escalating gang violence in Haiti, a Kenya-led multinational force has been deployed to address the situation. The head of the force emphasized the importance of their mission, stating that there is no room for failure. The primary objective of the United Nations-backed police mission is to ensure democratic elections in Haiti.
The Kenyan force, which arrived in Haiti last month, is committed to working closely with Haitian authorities and international partners to bring stability to the country. The force, consisting of 1,000 police officers, with an initial deployment of 200 officers, aims to collaborate with other nations such as the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica to total 2,500 personnel.
Haiti's new Prime Minister has acknowledged the mixed history of foreign intervention in the country but expressed hope for the new mission. The international force's focus includes reclaiming areas from gang control, reinstating police presence in regions lacking authority, and assisting displaced Haitians in returning home.
With over half a million people displaced by the violence, the mission aims to create security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections in February 2026. The Haitian police chief highlighted the strategic nature of their operations and the need to maintain secrecy to prevent alerting the gangs.
The request for an international force to combat gangs in Haiti was made in 2022 following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The surge in gang activity, including killings, rapes, and kidnappings, has prompted a violent response from civilian vigilante groups.
