Kenyan President Ruto Visits Haiti Amid UN Peacekeeping Challenges

Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in Haiti to bolster a UN-backed peacekeeping mission amid escalating gang violence. Despite the arrival of Kenyan and Jamaican forces, the situation remains dire, with gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince. The international community hopes for stabilization through the mission and upcoming elections.

Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in Haiti on Saturday, as the United Nations struggles to effectively support a peacekeeping mission involving resource-strapped Kenyan and Jamaican forces, which have faced challenges in controlling the gang violence ravaging the Caribbean nation.

Ruto was seen stepping off the plane and walking past armed officers on a small red carpet flanked by officials. He proceeded to a Kenyan base at the airport, where he was scheduled to meet with police engaged in anti-gang efforts.

Kenya spearheaded the initiative by deploying troops first as part of a broader UN effort to provide international support to Haiti, which has been reeling from conflict and political instability since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Approximately 400 Kenyan police officers are currently stationed in Haiti. Earlier this month, around two dozen police and soldiers from Jamaica also arrived. However, the United States and other nations have voiced concerns that the current forces are insufficient and lack the necessary resources to dismantle gangs controlling about 80 percent of Port-au-Prince.

(With inputs from agencies.)