With home security under strain, Kenya rallies Brazil’s support for Haiti deployment

Kenya Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, made the request during a recent visit to Brazil, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address the crisis in Haiti.

During his visit, Mudavadi urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and the United States, and other members of the American continent to fulfill and augment their pledged funding for the UN-backed security mission in Haiti.

The mission, now in its second year, has received support from the US and the UN, but faced significant funding constraints.

Mudavadi held talks with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mauro Vieira, on the sidelines of the 5th Kenya-Brazil summit.

The two leaders discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, and security. Mudavadi also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed the United States’ support for Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti MSS.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism. Our discussions explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, health, climate resilience, and security, alongside shared priorities on the multilateral stage”, Mudavadi said.

Kenya is leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, which includes contributions from countries like Jamaica, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad.

Over 800 Kenyan officers have been deployed to restore law and order, combat gang violence, and support the Haitian National Police.

In 2023, a Nairobi High Court issued an injunction halting Kenya’s planned deployment of police to Haiti, following a petition by opposition leader and constitutional lawyer Ekuru Aukot. He argued the mission lacked legal basis and criticized the move as reckless, given Kenya’s own domestic security challenges.

Rights groups also warned that Kenyan police, accused of using excessive force at home, could pose a risk in Haiti—where past foreign interventions have led to abuses.

Despite the court order, Parliament later approved the deployment, sparking further controversy over the government’s defiance of judicial authority.

The mission is faced with a significant funding crisis, with only $85 million pledged out of a target $600 million annual budget. Additionally, there are concerns over logistics, personnel shortages, and human rights violations. Kenya is yet to deploy its full contingent of 1,000 police officers.

The United States has proposed replacing the Kenya-led mission with a UN-led peacekeeping operation due to funding concerns. However, some argue that the UN should strengthen the current mission instead of replacing it.

Mudavadi’s appeal to Brazil for support aims to bolster efforts in restoring peace and rebuilding Haitian communities.

During his visit, Mudavadi and Brazilian officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism, deepening bilateral ties between the two countries. The talks explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various areas, including agriculture, trade, investment, health, and climate resilience.

The Kenya-led MSS Mission in Haiti remains a crucial effort to restore stability and security in the country. With international support and cooperation, the mission can continue to make progress in rebuilding Haitian communities and promoting peace.