The first wave of a long-awaited Kenyan police force touched down in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, a critical first step in a multinational mission to stabilise a nation paralysed by rampant gang violence.
Hundreds of officers arrived aboard a Kenya Airways flight, their deployment coming after months of political and legal delays. This vanguard is part of a larger 2,500-strong force approved by the United Nations, tasked with supporting Haiti's beleaguered national police in reclaiming control.
The situation on the ground remains dire. Armed gangs have effectively seized control of up to 80% of the capital, unleashing a wave of extreme violence that has forced hundreds of thousands from their homes and crippled the country's main port. The humanitarian crisis is deepening by the day.
"The Kenyan contingent is here on a mission for humanity," a senior official stated upon their arrival, highlighting the operation's focus on restoring basic security and order.
This intervention has been urgently requested by Haitian authorities for nearly two years. The mission's success hinges on the Kenyan-led force's ability to quickly secure key infrastructure, including the capital's airport and port, to facilitate the flow of vital aid.
However, the mission is not without its critics and risks. Previous international interventions in Haiti have a complicated legacy, and the gangs have promised fierce resistance. The world will be watching closely to see if this force can succeed where others have struggled.
