Haiti tops agenda ahead of President Ruto US state visit

Kenya's President William Ruto is gearing up for a historic state visit to the United States of America to meet with President Joe Biden in early May. The main agenda items on the table are deepening trade relations and Kenya's proposal to deploy its police force to Haiti to help combat the security crisis in the Caribbean nation. The issue of gang violence and insecurity in Haiti has not only destabilized the country but has also led to a surge in irregular migration to the United States. During a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Foreign Policy Expert Johanna Leblanc shed light on the complex dynamics at play in Haiti and the potential impact of Kenya's intervention. Leblanc emphasized that the root cause of the insecurity in Haiti is predominantly economic, with some individuals arming gangs with sophisticated weapons that surpass those of the Haitian National Police. This power imbalance makes it incredibly challenging for law enforcement to tackle the escalating violence. The situation has prompted vulnerable groups, including mothers and children, to embark on perilous journeys in hopes of seeking asylum in the U.S. Despite the current turmoil, Leblanc remains optimistic about Haiti's ability to overcome these challenges, highlighting the nation's historic role in championing Black liberation and self-determination. Haiti, as the first Black nation to successfully revolt against slavery, has a rich history of fighting for freedom and equality, even at great economic cost. Leblanc underscored the importance of acknowledging Haiti's legacy in the context of the present-day crisis. Meanwhile, President Ruto's proactive stance on extending Kenya's support to Haiti has been met with cautious optimism. While previous interventions by external actors have had mixed results, Leblanc expressed confidence in the potential success of Kenya's mission. She commended President Ruto for his commitment to combating insecurity in Haiti and lauded the Pan-African unity that could be demonstrated through this collaboration. Leblanc noted that President Ruto's leadership embodies the principles of Pan-Africanism and solidarity, which could pave the way for a more effective and cooperative approach to addressing Haiti's security challenges. Despite historical skepticism towards foreign interventions in Haiti, Leblanc believes that President Ruto's genuine dedication to the country's stability and democratic processes could mark a new chapter in Haiti's quest for security and prosperity. The upcoming state visit between President Ruto and President Biden holds the promise of fostering stronger ties between Kenya and the U.S., while also underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security issues.