Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-23 15:53:04
The Canadian government has made a significant move to support the deployment of Kenyan officers to Haiti by offering Ksh8.7 billion in funding. This funding is aimed at bolstering the peacekeeping mission in Haiti and addressing the rampant gang-based violence that has been a major challenge in the country. Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, highlighted that this initiative will enhance the training, communication, and logistics of the Kenyan police officers involved in the mission. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for more effective interventions to protect the people of Haiti and facilitate Haitian-led efforts to restore peace and prosperity in the country.
In addition to the Ksh8.7 billion funding, the Canadian government has also allocated Ksh13.3 billion to support Haiti’s peace initiative efforts. This includes Ksh543 million for an anti-corruption program and Ksh488 million to enhance security at the border. Joly reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting Kenya and other international partners in their peacekeeping efforts in the region.
The situation in Haiti has been dire since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, leading to widespread violence and a breakdown in essential services such as health, justice, and politics. As a result, the United Nations reported that 5.5 million Haitian people are in need of humanitarian assistance as of January 2024. Last year, the United States government also extended support to Kenya by offering Ksh14 billion for the police mission in Haiti.
Despite the positive intentions behind these funding initiatives, the deployment of Kenyan authorities has faced legal obstacles. A High Court ruling blocked the deployment, citing that the National Security Council and National Police Service lacked the authority to deploy police officers outside the country. However, President Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to the peacekeeping mission despite the court ruling.
Earlier in February, Haiti’s government announced that an official agreement would be reached with Kenyan officials to finalize the deployment of police officers. This agreement would set a deadline for the deployment and ensure that the long-awaited mission moves forward as planned.
The support from Canada and other international partners is crucial in addressing the ongoing crisis in Haiti and restoring peace to the region. By investing in training, logistics, and security measures, the hope is to create a safer environment for the people of Haiti and pave the way for long-term stability and prosperity in the country.
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