Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille addressed the U.N. Security Council, emphasizing the critical role of recently deployed Kenyan police in controlling gang violence and steering Haiti towards democratic elections. Conille highlighted the positive initial feedback from the Kenyan police’s operations in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The Haitian government’s primary focus includes tackling gang violence and food insecurity, ensuring free elections through constitutional and political reforms, and rebuilding public trust in the police. On June 25, the first group of 200 Kenyan police arrived, with Kenya pledging 1,000 officers to the international force, which will eventually include personnel from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica, totaling 2,500.
Haiti’s request for an international force to combat gangs dates back to 2022, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres advocating for a leading nation before Kenya stepped up. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gang power has surged, controlling up to 80% of the capital and leading to civilian vigilante uprisings.
Conille, who recently assumed office as prime minister, is tasked with stabilizing the country ahead of the February 2026 elections. He emphasized the need for Haiti to mobilize resources to ensure this transition leads to lasting peace, security, and sustainable development. By the time the international police leave, Haiti aims to build strong and effective institutions.
Kenya’s U.N. Ambassador Njambi Kinyungu reported that the Kenyan police have been holding operational meetings with national police and initiating joint operations. Following coordinated gang attacks on government infrastructure earlier this year, leading to Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation, the violence has displaced 580,000 people, with over half being children. Additionally, more than 4 million Haitians face food insecurity, according to UNICEF and the World Food Program.
Conille acknowledged Haiti’s mixed history with foreign intervention, marked by human rights abuses and a lack of respect for sovereignty and local culture. He stressed the importance of avoiding past mistakes through close coordination and constant communication among all parties involved.
U.N. Special Representative for Haiti MarÃa Isabel Salvador called on the international community to contribute to the fund supporting the police operation. Despite the United States pledging $309 million, the largest contribution, U.S. funding has not yet arrived. Kenya’s Kinyungu mentioned ongoing collaboration with the U.S. to distribute supplies in Haiti. Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the U.S. for failing to prevent arms smuggling to Haiti’s gangs, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing the arms embargo.
Prime Minister Conille’s vision is for Haiti to escape the cycle of security missions and build a stable, self-reliant future, with the international police force playing a crucial role in this transitional period.
