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NAIROBI — President William Ruto is pushing for the transition of the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti to a UN peacekeeping operation, amid concerns about its effectiveness and funding.
The proposal featured in US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s phone call with Ruto last week. Ruto said the move was meant to “enhance the capability of the mission.” The UN-backed multinational security mission was meant to quell Haiti’s gang violence, but its impact has been limited.
Some 430 Kenyan police officers were deployed in June, with the number expected to rise to 2,500 including more officers from Kenya and other countries.
The US has footed much of the bill for the mission but future funding is unclear following the election of Donald Trump and Republican control of Congress when they take office in January. A shift to a UN peacekeeping operation would unlock new sources of funding.
— Martin
