In a recent development, the United States has increased its support for Kenya’s operations in Haiti by providing an additional two dozen armored vehicles. The US is assisting Nairobi’s armed force in Port-au-Prince as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
According to a statement released by the US Southern Command, 24 more Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPS) will be delivered and transferred to Kenyan personnel deployed in Haiti. This move is intended to bolster the ongoing support from the US government for Haitian-led security efforts within the country. The MSS will incorporate these new vehicles into its existing fleet of 10 US-provided MRAPS.
Earlier this year, Kenya sent hundreds of armed troops to Haiti as part of a “policing” operation orchestrated by Washington. The deployment was aimed at aiding the Haitian police in restoring power in Port-au-Prince to a government set up by the White House. Following the assassination of President Jovenal Moise in 2021, Haiti descended into chaos under US-backed governments.
In response to this turmoil, the White House was granted authorization to finance, train, and arm a Kenyan-led military force tasked with taking control of Haiti from paramilitary groups and gangs. In September 2023, Washington signed a defense agreement with Kenya committing to deploying 1,000 troops to Port-au-Prince. The mission is expected to include about 1,500 soldiers and police officers from other countries, totaling an intervention force of approximately 2,500 members.
However, it is important to note that these troops are operating in a policing role and are not acting as UN Peacekeepers. UN Peacekeepers have left behind a dark legacy in Haiti, including causing a cholera outbreak and perpetrating rampant sexual abuse.
Recent footage from this summer captured the chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Garry Conille announced that Kenyan forces would begin operations in one of the city’s most notorious neighborhoods. He acknowledged that progress would not be quick and urged patience on the part of all involved parties.
