Jamaica has recently followed in Kenya’s footsteps, joining the multinational mission to restore stability in Haiti. As Kenya bolsters its presence with a promise of an additional 600 troops, Jamaica has sent its own contingent of soldiers and police officers to help combat the ongoing gang violence in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions.
Kenya has been at the forefront of the United Nations-backed peacekeeping effort, which aims to address the deteriorating security situation in Haiti. President William Ruto of Kenya, during a visit to the Caribbean nation, affirmed his commitment to the mission, which began in June 2024. “Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks’ time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” Ruto stated during his address, as reported by the BBC.
Kenya’s involvement in Haiti began with a pledge made by President Ruto in July 2023 to send 1,000 troops to help stabilize the country, which has been plagued by political instability and gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The first batch of 400 security officers was deployed in June 2024, marking Kenya as the first nation to send forces under the U.N.-approved mission.
During his visit to Haiti, President Ruto made a stop at the Kenyan base located at the airport, where he praised the Kenyan officers for their professionalism and dedication. “You have represented the people of Kenya with courage, professionalism, selflessness, compassion, and sufficiency,” he remarked. Ruto also highlighted the impact of the Kenyan troops, stating that their efforts had begun to restore some measure of peace, allowing displaced Haitians to return to their homes after fleeing the violence.
Ruto’s trip to Haiti comes ahead of his appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, and it underscored the importance of Kenya’s leadership in the peacekeeping mission. Despite facing criticism and legal delays before deployment, Ruto emphasized that the initial skepticism surrounding the mission had turned into widespread support. “Those who doubted our involvement are now applauding it,” he noted.
Kenya’s involvement has not been without controversy. A former U.S. diplomat has suggested that Ruto’s participation in the Haiti mission may be driven by financial incentives, particularly after the U.S. government pledged $100 million to support the Kenyan-led multinational force.
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In a significant development, Jamaica has become the second country to contribute to the peacekeeping mission. Just over a week ago, two dozen Jamaican soldiers and police officers arrived in Haiti to support the effort. Their arrival comes after the United Nations Security Council approved the mission in October 2023. Belize also sent two senior military officers to join the Jamaicans, further expanding the international cooperation in Haiti.
Jamaica’s participation signals growing regional support for the mission, as countries in the Caribbean recognize the broader implications of Haiti’s security crisis. With Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas overrun by gang violence, the stakes are high not only for Haiti but also for neighboring nations.
The situation in Haiti remains dire, with ongoing gang violence, political uncertainty, and widespread displacement continuing to affect millions of Haitians. The multinational mission, led by Kenya and now joined by Jamaica and Belize, represents a vital international effort to restore order. While progress has been made, President Ruto acknowledged the challenges ahead, urging continued global support for Haiti as it seeks to rebuild.
Kenya’s additional deployment of 600 troops in the coming weeks is expected to strengthen the mission’s capacity to provide security and help rebuild crucial infrastructure. As Jamaica and other countries step up their involvement, the success of this international collaboration will be key to determining Haiti’s path toward recovery.
For now, both Kenyan and Jamaican forces will continue to work alongside Haitian authorities, aiming to restore peace and provide a glimmer of hope for the future of Haiti.