Officials from Kenya set to begin a planned security operation in Haiti, reports claim.
A group is planning to evaluate this week if the necessary gear and sites are prepared for external police forces – a decision that could impact when deployment takes place, according to someone familiar with the progress.
People in the delegation are also expected to interact with American and United Nations officials in the country, the insider indicated.
The UN authorised an international venture last year to help Haiti's National Police confront lethal gangs who have taken control of much of the capital Port-au-Prince.
Despite robust support from the US and other regional powers, the mission has been embroiled in confusion and legal obstacles for months. It was delayed further when former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down in March, till the formation of a transitional governing body.
A UN-supervised fund for the mission has $21 million, found by Canada ($8.7 million), France ($3.2 million), Spain ($3 million) and the United States ($6 million). Forces for the mission have been provided by the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad and Jamaica, with Kenya too.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended US contributions to the mission in a Senate Foreign Relations hearing, asserting that Haiti could descend into becoming a completely failed state without global support.
"I recognise the scepticism over yet another mission in Haiti, but what we've going for us is this: first, a widespread repulsion from the population about the direction the country has taken, including the gangs dominating Port-au-Price and trying to thwart governance. This disruption has also hindered democratic development and blocked aid and other forms of assistance people desperately need," he stated.
Haiti's National Police have regained control of the airport and other vital infrastructure, Blinken added. "In fact, commercial flights have restarted in Haiti, and we anticipate American carriers will start flying again in the near future."
US President Joe Biden hosts Kenyan President William Ruto and spouse Rachel Ruto at the White House on Thursday, with Haiti likely to be a main subject of discussion.
There was no response from Kenyan authorities to CNN's enquiry.
CNN's Michael Conte contributed reporting.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
