Kenyan Police Arrive in Haiti to Tackle Gang Violence

Kenyan police arrived in Haiti to address surging gang violence almost two years after the UN-backed request. Their task includes confronting gangs controlling 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This marks the fourth foreign intervention in Haiti. While some Haitians welcome them, others are cautious due to past UN controversies.

The first UN-backed contingent of foreign police arrived in Haiti on Tuesday, signaling a significant move to address the Caribbean nation's severe gang violence. This development comes nearly two years after Haiti's urgent appeal for international assistance.

A couple of hundred police officers from Kenya landed in Port-au-Prince, the capital, where the main international airport recently reopened after being shuttered for nearly three months due to gang-related turmoil.

While the initial tasks of the Kenyan police are not yet disclosed, they will face formidable challenges. Gangs control about 80% of the capital, forcing over 580,000 Haitians into homelessness. This arrival marks the fourth major foreign military intervention in Haiti's history. Although some citizens express optimism, recalling the controversial UN peacekeeping mission from 2004-2017 raises concerns.

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