NAIROBI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Friday signed an agreement with Haiti to deploy 1,000 police officers to a multi-national security support mission, aimed at combating gang violence in the Latin American country.
The signing ceremony, held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and visiting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
"From Kenya, we are ready for this deployment, and I urge all our global partners to join us in providing a timely response," Ruto said, noting that a court petition had been filed, resulting in a ruling that highlighted the need for a reciprocal instrument between the two countries to enable the deployment.
Sources indicate that the police team could depart for Haiti as early as next week following a ceremony to be presided over by Ruto. Henry assured that his government would offer full support to the Kenyan contingent to ensure the success of the mission.
The multi-national security support mission in Haiti was authorized by the United Nations Security Council on Oct. 2, 2023, under Resolution 2699, in response to widespread gang violence that has left much of the country lawless and ungovernable.
A Kenyan court, however, recently ruled the proposed deployment unconstitutional. Despite this, officials from the two countries have been working on a deal to expedite the arrival of forces in Haiti.
For years, Haitians have endured gang violence exacerbated by political turmoil, which has weakened state capacity, undermined security and hindered the delivery of essential services.
Armed clashes erupted in Haiti Thursday, coinciding with Henry's visit to Kenya, as a gang attacked the country's main international airport, police stations, and government agencies, disrupting normal operations.
The attacks occurred shortly after Henry met with Caribbean leaders in Guyana, where he reportedly pledged to hold long-awaited general elections by mid-2025. ■
