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Kenyan High Court Halts Government’s Plan to Deploy Police to Haiti

The Kenyan High Court has blocked the government’s plan to deploy police officers to Haiti to combat gang violence, delivering a significant legal blow to President William Ruto’s administration. The judge ruled that the deployment would be illegal, as the National Security Council, which authorized the mission, lacks the legal mandate to send police officers abroad for such operations.

Last year, Kenya volunteered to lead a multinational security force in Haiti following a request from Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to the United Nations for urgent assistance. Henry’s plea came as his government struggled with gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

Armed members of “G9 and Family” march in a protest against Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

Despite approval from Kenyan lawmakers and backing from the UN Security Council, the court’s decision has halted these plans. Opposition leader Ekuru Aukot, who filed the case, hailed the ruling as a victory for Kenya, arguing that the country should focus on its own security challenges before committing resources abroad. Aukot also suggested that President Ruto was using the deployment to bolster his international image and curry favor with Western nations.

In response to the ruling, President Ruto defended the deployment, citing Kenya‘s impressive record in peace support missions and the opportunity for officers to gain valuable experience and skills. However, the court’s decision stands as a significant impediment to these ambitions, emphasizing the complexities of international peacekeeping efforts and the legal constraints faced by national governments.

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