Deployment of first Kenyan police to Haiti delayed, sources say

23/5/2024 17:21

        The deployment of the first Kenyan police officers to Haiti to lead an international anti-gang force has been delayed after a planned flight from Nairobi was postponed on Tuesday, two sources briefed on the matter told Reuters.
        
        U.S. officials had previously indicated that the officers would be in Port-au-Prince by Thursday to coincide with Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to the White House.
        
        Kenya volunteered to lead the mission last July but has faced repeated delays deploying due to litigation brought by opponents of the government's plan and a surge of violence in March that led the Haitian prime minister to resign.
        
        The mission, which will comprise up to 2,500 personnel, is intended to counter gangs who control most of Port-au-Prince and have carried out widespread killings, kidnappings and sexual violence.
        
        Kenya has committed 1,000 police officers to the U.N.-approved mission, most of which is being financed by the United States.