Mercredi 27 septembre 2023 ((rezonodwes.com))–Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alfred Mutua, has responded to criticism surrounding the deployment of hundreds of police officers to a peace mission in Haiti. Despite speculations that this initiative might be influenced by global powers, Minister Mutua has asserted that their assistance was requested.
During an interview with the BBC, Alfred Mutua stated, « We already have had an assessment team to Haiti, and 80% of the local population is supportive of the deployment of Kenyan police to their country. We cannot impose ourselves on a nation where we are not needed. »
When questioned about the preparedness of these officers to deal with the dangerous gangs in Haiti, Mutua replied, « Those opposing this deal have the right to be skeptical because similar missions have been attempted before. I mean, other United Nations peace missions have been deployed. However, this is a different mission. »
During a press conference in Nairobi, the Minister emphasized that Kenya has been a priority for peacekeeping missions, having previously sent troops to Sierra Leone, Somalia, Namibia, South Sudan, East Timor, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He stated, « It is because of Kenya’s stellar performance that the Government of Haiti requested Kenya to lead a police mission to help stabilize and restore order in their country. »
President William Ruto, while touring the United States last week, announced that Kenya is ready to send 1,000 officers to the Caribbean state once the UN Council approves the mission by January 2024. The United States government has pledged a sum of KSh 14.6 billion to support the Kenya-led peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
Additionally, the team will receive medical support, airlift intelligence gathering, and communication resources. Jamaica, Antigua, and the Bahamas have also expressed their willingness to participate, while the US government has promised logistical assistance.
Alfred Mutua’s response comes as Kenyans applaud the government’s generosity, despite ongoing challenges within the country.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
