Biden Administration Urges Rapid Deployment of Kenyan-Led Security Force to Haiti

Biden Administration Urges Rapid Deployment of Kenyan-Led Security Force to Haiti

Biden Administration Urges Rapid Deployment of Kenyan-Led Security Force to Haiti

Key Highlights:

1. Biden administration calls for swift deployment of Kenyan-led force to Haiti.
2. Three missionaries working with a US group killed by armed gunmen in Haiti.
3. Over 360,000 Haitians displaced and 1,500 killed due to gang violence in 2023.

The Biden administration has called for the rapid deployment of a Kenyan-led security force to Haiti following the killing of three missionaries from the US-based non-profit Missions in Haiti Inc. The missionaries were fatally shot by armed gunmen on Thursday night in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Missouri State Representative Ben Baker identified his daughter, Natalie Lloyd, and son-in-law, Davy Lloyd, as two of the victims. Davy Lloyd was the son of Missions in Haiti Inc’s founders, David and Alicia Lloyd. The identity of the third victim has not been released.

This tragic incident highlights the escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, largely controlled by powerful armed groups. The violence in the city has intensified, leading to deadly attacks and significant instability. In response, the Biden administration emphasized the urgency of deploying the Kenyan-led security force, with Biden pledging support for the “expedited deployment” during talks with Kenyan President William Ruto.

The UN and other humanitarian organizations have called for increased support for Haiti amid prolonged gang violence and political turmoil, exacerbated by the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The unrest led to the resignation of Haiti’s unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry, and an interim presidential council has been appointed. Despite these measures, the violence continues, with hundreds of thousands of people, including many women and children, caught in the conflict.

As of mid-March, over 360,000 Haitians were internally displaced, and at least 1,500 people have been killed due to gang violence this year. Haitian civil society leaders have stressed the need for external support to bolster the country’s depleted police force.

Kenya has committed 1,000 police officers to the UN-backed mission, primarily financed by the US, to counter the gangs in Haiti. The force is expected to eventually include up to 2,500 personnel. However, the exact start date of the mission remains unclear, although it was initially suggested that the deployment could coincide with President Ruto’s visit to the US.

Source: ANI