Political instability and rampant gang violence threaten Haiti’s security, prompting a controversial agreement between Haiti and Kenya for a police deployment mission.

Acting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Kenyan President William Ruto signed a “reciprocal agreement” in Nairobi on Friday, paving the way for the deployment of approximately 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Port-au-Prince. The mission, endorsed by the United Nations and largely funded by the United States, aims to bolster security by protecting vital infrastructure from criminal gangs, including hospitals, schools, and airports.

Gangs currently control an alarming 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, contributing to a surge in violence that claimed the lives of over 4,700 Haitians last year alone—a staggering 120 percent increase from 2022.

While the agreement marks a significant step towards addressing Haiti’s security crisis, it has not been without controversy. Kenya’s High Court previously deemed the deployment plan unconstitutional in January, citing the absence of a reciprocal agreement with Haiti—a requirement for foreign police deployments. However, Friday’s agreement may address the court’s concerns and clear the way for the mission.

Critics have raised serious concerns about the human rights record of the Kenyan police force, highlighting past failures in combating terrorism and other criminal activities. Additionally, questions have been raised about the legitimacy of Prime Minister Henry’s authority to sign the agreement, given that he assumed power following the assassination of then-President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and has faced delays in organizing elections.

The situation in Haiti remains precarious, with ongoing gang violence exacerbating the political turmoil. Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier recently launched a coordinated effort to oust Prime Minister Henry from power, resulting in targeted attacks on police stations, the police academy, and Toussaint-Louverture International Airport. The violence claimed the lives of at least four police officers and left several others wounded.

As the crisis in Haiti deepens, regional leaders have expressed their concerns and offered assistance to address the security challenges. However, there is a growing recognition that a political solution is essential to achieving lasting stability in the country.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the deployment of Kenyan police forces will contribute to restoring order and laying the groundwork for a peaceful resolution to Haiti’s ongoing crisis.