Kenya’s plan to send 1,000 police officers to help quell gang violence in Haiti has been met with skepticism from the US Special Envoy for Haiti, Dan Foote. In a stark interview with CNN, Foote argued that such a small contingent would be vastly insufficient to stabilize the troubled nation.
“A thousand isn’t going to cut it,” Foote declared, pointing to the historical ineffectiveness of smaller deployments. “Every time there has been a military intervention in Haiti in the past 20 years, it’s had a minimum of 20,000 troops or police going in there.”
Foote’s comments cast a shadow of doubt on the effectiveness of Kenya’s proposed contribution. He painted a grim picture of Haiti’s current situation, highlighting the well-armed gangs that have crippled the nation and could pose a significant threat to any incoming force.
“The Haitians are well armed,” he warned, “and if the international community imposes this Caricom government contract, they are going to fight the Kenyans to the death.”
U.S. Special Envoy To Haiti Daniel Foote. Photo: NPR
Caricom, the Caribbean Community, has proposed the installation of a new government in Haiti, a move that Foote suggests could further inflame tensions and lead to violent resistance from entrenched gang factions.
Kenya’s deployment plans have already encountered a roadblock. Last week, the country announced a pause in the mission following the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Kenyan officials, speaking to AFP news agency, cited the “complete breakdown of law and order” as a key factor in the decision.
“There has been a fundamental change in circumstances,” stated Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs. “The resignation of the PM of Haiti” necessitated a reevaluation of Kenya’s role in the unfolding crisis.
Dan Foote taking questions from journalists during a past media presser
Haiti is currently in the throes of a deepening humanitarian crisis, fueled by the rampant gang violence. The international community has struggled to find a lasting solution, with past interventions failing to bring lasting stability.
Whether Kenya will revisit its offer of troops in light of Foote’s warnings and the changing situation in Haiti remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the path to restoring peace and order in the Caribbean nation appears to be a long and arduous one.
