In a significant shift in international peacekeeping efforts, Kenyan police in Haiti have officially handed over their operating base to Guatemalan soldiers as part of the broader United Nations mission to stabilize the country. This handover, which took place in January 2025, marks a key moment in Haiti’s ongoing struggle to regain peace and security amid escalating gang violence and political instability.
Haiti, a nation once hailed as a beacon of hope in the Caribbean, has faced a series of crises over the past few years, including devastating natural disasters, political unrest, and widespread violence from armed gangs. The situation has reached a boiling point, prompting international intervention in the form of peacekeeping forces from various nations. Kenya’s involvement in Haiti, which began in 2023, represented a step toward restoring stability in the island nation. However, with changes in international strategic priorities and a shifting dynamic on the ground, the baton is now being passed to Guatemalan forces.
The Role of Kenyan Police in Haiti
Kenya, a country with a long history of participation in peacekeeping missions, agreed to send police officers to Haiti as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The primary goal of the Kenyan contingent was to assist local law enforcement in combating the growing influence of gangs, restore order, and support the Haitian government in its efforts to address widespread insecurity.
The Kenyan police forces in Haiti were tasked with providing security, conducting patrols, and offering expertise in law enforcement to their Haitian counterparts. Operating in some of the most dangerous areas of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, they worked tirelessly to stem the rising tide of gang violence that had overwhelmed much of the city. Despite the many challenges they faced, including inadequate resources and the high risk of violence, the Kenyan officers made notable contributions to improving security in certain regions.
The Kenyan mission also focused on human rights, emphasizing the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, who have borne the brunt of the violence. This work was complemented by training programs aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH) in a bid to empower them to take over responsibilities as the situation improved.
However, the mission faced numerous hurdles. The lack of coordinated efforts between various international actors, coupled with Haiti’s fragile political situation, meant that long-term stability remained elusive. As gang violence and political instability continued to worsen, the decision was made to transition responsibilities to other peacekeeping forces, particularly those with a more specialized military background.
Guatemala’s Role in Haiti
The decision to transfer operational control to Guatemalan soldiers represents a shift in the approach to peacekeeping in Haiti. Guatemala, which has its own experience dealing with internal violence and instability, brings a different skill set to the table. The Guatemalan army has been involved in various international peacekeeping missions, and its forces are particularly well-equipped to handle the militarized nature of the gangs operating in Haiti.
Guatemala’s involvement in Haiti is part of the broader effort by the United Nations to bring in military forces to support peacekeeping efforts. While Kenyan police forces provided valuable assistance in law enforcement, Guatemalan soldiers are tasked with more robust security operations, including countering the violent gangs that have controlled large swaths of territory in Haiti.
Guatemala’s military personnel are known for their strategic expertise in urban warfare and counterinsurgency tactics, which are crucial in a scenario like Haiti, where gangs have established a near-autonomous rule over certain neighborhoods. The Guatemalan forces will now oversee security operations and will continue to support the Haitian National Police as they seek to reassert control over territories held by gangs.
The Handover Ceremony: Symbolizing a New Phase
The handover of the Kenyan police base to the Guatemalan soldiers took place in a formal ceremony attended by representatives from the United Nations, the Haitian government, and both the Kenyan and Guatemalan contingents. This moment symbolized not only the conclusion of one chapter of international assistance but also the beginning of another.
The ceremony was marked by speeches from high-ranking officials who praised the efforts of the Kenyan police in helping stabilize parts of Haiti, particularly in areas hardest hit by gang violence. The handover was also seen as a demonstration of international cooperation, with the Kenyan forces ensuring a smooth transition to their Guatemalan counterparts to maintain continuity in peacekeeping operations.
Kenyan police officers who had served in Haiti were commended for their professionalism and bravery, despite the many challenges they encountered. Many had served in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, often under threat from the very gangs they were working to combat. Their dedication to the mission was recognized by both the Haitian government and the international community.
On the other hand, the Guatemalan soldiers who took over the base were briefed on the specific challenges facing their new posting. While the Guatemalan forces were not new to the region, the situation in Haiti presented unique difficulties, including entrenched gang networks and deep-seated political instability. As a result, the Guatemalan military is expected to intensify operations aimed at neutralizing gang leadership and restoring basic law and order.
The Strategic Importance of the Handover
This transition reflects a broader shift in international peacekeeping strategy in Haiti. The Kenyan police mission, which was more focused on law enforcement and community engagement, is now giving way to a more militarized approach under Guatemalan leadership. This shift reflects the growing recognition that the nature of the violence in Haiti requires a more forceful response.
The move also underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of instability in Haiti. Gang violence, political corruption, and poverty remain deeply entrenched in the country, making it difficult for peacekeepers to achieve lasting results. By handing over operational control to Guatemalan forces, the international community hopes to create a more stable environment in which the Haitian government can implement reforms and reassert its authority.
However, there are concerns that the increasing militarization of the peacekeeping mission could exacerbate tensions with the local population. It will be essential for the Guatemalan soldiers to work closely with Haitian authorities and community leaders to avoid alienating the public and ensure that the mission’s efforts are seen as legitimate.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The handover of the base marks a pivotal moment in Haiti’s ongoing recovery efforts, but significant challenges remain. While the Guatemalan forces bring valuable military expertise, peacekeeping efforts in Haiti will require more than just military intervention. Political solutions, humanitarian aid, and long-term development will be necessary to address the underlying issues that fuel violence and instability.
As the Guatemalan military takes over operations, the Haitian government, international organizations, and local communities will need to work together to create a sustainable path toward peace. The role of the United Nations will remain crucial, as will the continued support of countries like Kenya and Guatemala in rebuilding Haiti’s institutions and restoring peace.
The situation in Haiti remains fragile, but with international support and a strategic approach, there is hope that the country can begin to heal and rebuild from the many years of crisis it has endured.
In the end, the handover of the Kenyan police base to the Guatemalan soldiers is a testament to the ongoing global commitment to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance in Haiti—a reminder that international cooperation remains crucial to addressing the complex challenges facing nations in crisis.