US President Joe Biden (L) and Kenya’s President William Ruto pose for a picture. PHOTO | Courtesy
In Summary:
- The Biden administration declines to send troops to Haiti, opting to support Kenya’s peacekeeping efforts.
- Despite requests from Haitian officials, the US focuses on mobilizing international aid and expediting the deployment of Kenyan police officers.
The decision of the Biden administration not to send troops to Haiti, despite calls from Haitian officials for urgent military assistance amid escalating violence, underscores a strategic shift towards supporting Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean nation.
According to a National Security official cited by McClatchy, the US is actively mobilizing aid from the international community to assist Haiti during the declared state of emergency.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby reiterated the commitment to stabilize Haiti’s political landscape, emphasizing cooperation with international partners.
“Through the weekend, senior US government officials remained in close contact with senior Haitian government officials and members of the international community to help stabilize the situation and to move quickly toward an enduring political solution,” Kirby commented..
Haitian officials had requested emergency deployment of US special forces, citing delays in Kenya’s deployment and escalating chaos.
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Despite ongoing communication between Haitian and US diplomatic officials, the decision to withhold US troop deployment underscores a strategic shift in prioritizing support for Kenya-led efforts.
The Biden administration had earlier pledged $200 million to support the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti, part of a multinational initiative to address the country’s violence.
However, opposition from Republican lawmakers and legal hurdles, including a High Court ruling deeming Kenya’s deployment unconstitutional, have complicated the process.
“We are offering the experience and expertise of our police officers in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti as mandated by the United Nations Security Council and as guided by our courts,” Ruto expressed.
Nevertheless, Kenya remains committed to deploying its officers to Haiti, as affirmed by President William Ruto following discussions with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Ruto emphasized Kenya’s dedication to the UN Security Council mandate and expressed readiness to contribute police expertise to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
President Ruto and Prime Minister Ariel Henry of Haiti captured during their State House meeting in Nairobi on February 29, 2024. Image Source: President Ruto – X.
Despite challenges and political obstacles, efforts to stabilize Haiti continue through international collaboration and Kenya’s unwavering commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the troubled nation.