In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s top police official addresses claims that officers deployed for the Haiti peacekeeping mission haven’t received salaries for three months. As the situation unfolds, tensions rise, and the truth hangs in the balance.
Douglas Kanja, the Inspector General of Police in Kenya, has outrightly refuted rumors about unpaid salaries for officers serving in Haiti. He insisted that all personnel had been compensated through the end of October. His remarks were in response to local media reports, quoting officers in the field who alleged that payments had stalled for months.
Kenya leads a contingent of international police aiming to curb gang violence in Haiti. This deployment represents the fourth major intervention from foreign forces in the country. While some Haitians view the peacekeepers as a welcome force, others remain cautious, especially after the 2004-2017 U.N. mission, which left a cloud of controversy including accusations of misconduct and a deadly cholera outbreak.
Financial transparency became a focal point as Kenya’s Treasury disclosed spending over 2 billion Kenyan shillings (around $15 million) on the mission while awaiting reimbursement from the United Nations. “This money we are spending on behalf of the U.N., we are the ones making the payment so the money comes from our exchequer because these are our officers,” stated Treasury Minister John Mbadi in a recent media briefing.
Despite these assurances, the mission in Haiti faces growing scrutiny. Critics highlight its limited success, noting the significant challenge of dismantling entrenched gang networks. Violence in Haiti has escalated, with more than 4,500 fatalities reported this year alone and thousands more injured. Mass displacement has affected approximately 700,000 people, as gangs continue to vie for territorial control.
Pressure mounts from the international community, including the U.S., advocating for a more robust peacekeeping initiative amid concerns that the Kenyan-led effort lacks sufficient resources and support.
The Kenyan police and government remain firm in their stance against the payment delay allegations. However, the mission’s effectiveness and the complex situation in Haiti keep global eyes focused on the unfolding developments. As the world watches, the need for resourceful strategies to restore peace and stability in Haiti becomes more evident.
Source: Apnews
