Kenya and Haiti initiated diplomatic relations on Wednesday as announced in a statement posted on the social media platform X by Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister of the Caribbean nation.
This development coincides with ongoing international deliberations concerning the potential leadership role of Kenya in a United Nations-endorsed multinational security force aimed at assisting Haitian authorities in addressing the escalating issue of gang warfare.
Brian Nichols, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, mentioned in an interview with Voice of America this week that the United Nations Security Council may hold.
Ariel Henry’s government initially sought international aid in October of the previous year. However, despite multiple appeals from the United Nations, their request remained unanswered until Kenya expressed its readiness to lead such a coalition in July.
Haiti’s police force, operating with limited resources, has been engaged in a struggle against formidable gangs that are currently believed to exert control over significant portions of the nation.
This establishment of diplomatic relations was witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto and Ariel Henry during the signing of the pact at the Kenyan mission in New York.
“As the leading nation in the U.N.-backed security mission in Haiti, we are committed to deploying a specialised team,” President Ruto said in a statement issued by his office.
Ruto further mentioned that the team would evaluate the circumstances and formulate strategies aimed at securing enduring solutions.