A Kenyan-led United Nations mission is battling heavily armed gangs that control 85% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. The gang violence has claimed over 4,500 lives and injured 2,060 people this year, displacing about 700,000 people in recent years. In 2025, UNICEF estimates six million people will need humanitarian aid, including 3.3 million children.
The mission, which includes 400 Kenyan police officers, has been fighting against the gangs since June but faces criticism for its lack of resources and funding. The U.S. and other countries have pushed for a full-scale UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti due to the Kenyan-led team’s limitations.
According to UN expert William O’Neill, the Kenya-led mission lacks sufficient resources to combat the growing gang violence, citing inadequate equipment and insufficient funding. Meanwhile, 20 Kenyan police officers have reportedly submitted resignation letters due to payment delays and poor working conditions. The mission denies any officers are leaving over pay issues.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/haiti-gangs-kenya-united-nations-port-au-prince-1997019