A coalition of Haitian-American elected officials is urging President Joe Biden to reconsider U.S. support for Kenya’s participation in the Peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Their appeal is grounded in concerns about the potential consequences of Kenya’s involvement, which they believe could strengthen President Ariel Henry’s hold on power.
These officials, some of whom are affiliated with The National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) and Family Action Network Movement (FANM), have communicated their apprehensions directly to President Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In their message, they assert that Kenya’s intervention in Haiti may exacerbate the nation’s political turmoil and lead to a significant increase in civilian casualties and migration pressures.
Haiti has been a focal point of international concern due to its persistent instability and the rise of criminal gangs following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. This tragic event propelled Ariel Henry into the role of interim leader.
The majority of Haitian and Haitian-American civil society organizations have joined the chorus calling for the Biden administration to reconsider its support for Henry.
The coalition’s message to President Biden emphasizes that withdrawing support for Dr. Henry could compel him to engage in negotiations with Haitian civil society and other stakeholders, potentially paving the way for a peaceful resolution to Haiti’s ongoing political crisis.
Furthermore, the group contends that the current Haitian government has connections with the criminal gangs that have been terrorizing the nation’s citizens. They are also urging U.S. authorities to intensify their efforts to combat weapons trafficking to Haiti as a means of addressing the security challenges facing the country.
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