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MUGWANG’A: Why President Ruto should abort Haiti mission of sending our police officers

Kenya should focus on diplomatic, humanitarian, and capacity-building initiatives.

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by Josephine Mayuya

Siasa17 March 2024 - 08:17

In Summary


  • Learn from the mistakes of past interventions and prioritise sustainable, locally-led solutions.
  • Kenya should focus on diplomatic, humanitarian, and capacity-building initiatives that empower Haitians to address their own challenges
Residents of Port-au Prince protest

In the tumultuous aftermath of the resignation of Haiti's Prime Minister, the international community once again finds itself at a crossroads in determining how best to support the struggling nation. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, discussions have arisen regarding the deployment of foreign forces to aid in maintaining stability and security.

For Kenya, a country with its own challenges and aspirations for peace and development, the decision to send police officers to Haiti demands careful consideration and introspection. It is imperative to critically assess the historical failures of US military missions abroad, including in Somalia, Iraq, and Libya, as cautionary tales that underscore the risks and complexities inherent in such interventions.

The United States, often regarded as a global superpower, has embarked on numerous military interventions over the past few decades with varying degrees of success. However, a closer examination of missions in Somalia, Iraq, and Libya reveals a troubling pattern of unintended consequences, prolonged conflicts, and destabilisation. These instances serve as poignant reminders of the complexities of foreign intervention and the inherent risks involved.

Somalia stands as a stark example of the challenges and limitations of foreign military involvement. What began as a humanitarian mission to alleviate suffering during a devastating famine devolved into a protracted military engagement marked by violence, factionalism, and state collapse. Despite the deployment of troops and resources, including from the United States, Somalia remained mired in conflict, with lasting repercussions for its people and the region as a whole.

Similarly, the invasion of Iraq in 2003, under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction and promoting democracy, resulted in widespread chaos, sectarian violence, and the rise of extremist groups. The failure to adequately plan for post-war reconstruction and governance created a power vacuum that fueled insurgency and instability, leading to years of bloodshed and suffering for the Iraqi people. The repercussions of this intervention continue to reverberate throughout the region, shaping geopolitics and exacerbating tensions.

In Libya, a NATO-led intervention aimed at protecting civilians during the Arab Spring uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's regime ultimately escalated into a full-fledged military campaign for regime change. Despite initial successes in ousting Gaddafi, the intervention plunged Libya into chaos and civil war, with competing factions vying for power and control. The absence of a coherent post-intervention strategy compounded the crisis, leaving Libya fractured and vulnerable to exploitation by extremist elements and regional actors.

These cautionary tales underscore the challenges and risks inherent in foreign interventions, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Despite noble intentions and the promise of stability and security, military interventions often exacerbate existing tensions, fuel conflict dynamics, and sow the seeds of long-term instability.

For Haiti, a country grappling with political turmoil, economic hardship, and social unrest, the prospect of foreign intervention raises legitimate concerns about sovereignty, self-determination, and the effectiveness of external assistance.

Against this backdrop, Kenya must carefully evaluate its decision to send police officers to Haiti and consider the potential implications for both countries. While the desire to support a fellow nation in need is commendable, it is essential to learn from the mistakes of past interventions and prioritise sustainable, locally-led solutions.

Rather than resorting to militarised approaches that risk further destabilisation and conflict escalation, Kenya should focus on diplomatic, humanitarian, and capacity-building initiatives that empower Haitians to address their own challenges and chart a path towards peace and prosperity.

Furthermore, the decision to deploy Kenyan police officers abroad raises important questions about resource allocation, domestic priorities, and the role of the security sector in national development. At a time when Kenya faces its own security challenges, including terrorism, organized crime, and intercommunal violence, diverting resources and personnel to overseas missions must be carefully weighed against pressing domestic needs. Strengthening law enforcement capabilities, enhancing community policing initiatives, and addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system should take precedence over international deployments that may yield limited returns and strain already stretched resources.

Moreover, the decision to send police officers to Haiti must be guided by principles of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. History has shown that foreign interventions can inadvertently perpetuate cycles of violence, exacerbate human rights abuses, and undermine efforts to promote justice and reconciliation.

Therefore, any deployment of Kenyan personnel must be accompanied by robust oversight mechanisms, training in conflict resolution and human rights law, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles.

The resignation of the Prime Minister and the ensuing debate over international intervention underscore the complexities and challenges of supporting fragile states in times of crisis. While the temptation to intervene militarily may be strong, Kenya must resist the allure of quick fixes and instead focus on sustainable, locally-driven solutions that empower Haitians to rebuild their country on their own terms.

By learning from the failures of past interventions and prioritizing diplomacy, development, and respect for sovereignty, Kenya can play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity both at home and abroad. Sending police officers to Haiti should not be a knee-jerk reaction but a carefully considered decision grounded in principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and shared humanity.

But, above anything else, it is the lives of our policemen that we should do everything to protect. Haiti is not the place to protect. The mission should just be abandoned.


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