In a developing situation, nearly 20 of the approximately 400 Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed anti-gang mission have submitted their resignations over the past two months.
The officers, according to Reuters cited significant pay delays and poor working conditions as key reasons for their decision, according to three officers who spoke to Reuters.
The Kenyan officers are part of a larger international effort aimed at supporting Haiti’s security forces in their fight against powerful gangs that have plagued the country for years. Despite the critical role they play in stabilising the region, the officers have reported a lack of timely compensation and inadequate living conditions, contributing to their decision to resign.
One officer, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration with the persistent delays in receiving their pay, which was supposed to be disbursed regularly. “We came here to assist, but we are being treated unfairly,” the officer stated, adding that many of his colleagues were struggling with basic needs due to the financial issues.
The Kenyan police were deployed to Haiti in 2023 as part of a U.N. peacekeeping operation aimed at addressing the escalating violence and lawlessness in the Caribbean nation. However, the officers have faced numerous challenges since their arrival, including the lack of proper equipment, deteriorating health and safety standards, and limited support from their commanding officers.
The resignation of the Kenyan officers comes at a time when Haiti is grappling with deep political instability and a humanitarian crisis, largely driven by gang violence. The government of Kenya has yet to respond to the resignation claims, but the situation highlights the growing strain on international peacekeeping forces as they face difficult conditions while attempting to restore order in fragile states.
The U.N. mission in Haiti, known as the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), has acknowledged the challenges faced by peacekeepers in the country, including concerns about living and working conditions. It remains to be seen how the Kenyan resignations will affect the overall effectiveness of the mission, which is critical to maintaining order in a country facing an ever-worsening security crisis.
As the situation unfolds, attention will also turn to the broader issue of international peacekeeping operations and the challenges faced by personnel who are expected to maintain peace in high-risk regions with limited resources and support.
