Nairobi seeks logistical support from Santo Domingo ahead of planned deployment under the UN-backed multinational security mission
Mulembe Times
NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is actively engaging the Dominican Republic to facilitate the medical evacuation and repatriation of Haitian police officers injured or affected in the escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, in preparation for the long-anticipated Kenya-led multinational security mission in Haiti.
The diplomatic talks, which are ongoing, underscore the growing complexity of Kenya’s role in stabilizing Haiti under a United Nations-backed mandate. According to sources within Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi has requested logistical and medical support from Santo Domingo, particularly for emergency airlifts and temporary staging for injured Haitian police officers before they can be returned to their families or rehabilitated in safer areas.
This development comes as Kenya prepares to deploy its first contingent of police officers to Haiti as part of a 1,000-strong peacekeeping mission intended to curb the rampant gang violence that has paralyzed the Caribbean nation. The deployment is part of a broader multinational effort that includes contributions from several African and Caribbean nations. However, concerns remain about the logistics, safety, and humanitarian coordination involved in the mission—especially in light of deteriorating conditions in Haiti.
Strategic Partnership with Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has become a key strategic partner in this evolving mission. While the two nations have a historically tense relationship, Kenya’s diplomatic overtures aim to leverage the Dominican Republic’s better infrastructure and proximity to Haiti for emergency support operations.
A senior Kenyan diplomat, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, confirmed that discussions include the use of Dominican medical facilities and airstrips for the evacuation of wounded Haitian officers and possibly civilians. “Kenya recognizes that for the success of this mission, we need regional partners with capacity and proximity. The Dominican Republic fits both criteria,” the official said.
The Dominican Republic has not officially confirmed the arrangement, but sources indicate that talks have been positive and are moving toward a framework agreement that could include limited Dominican involvement in logistical support, possibly coordinated through regional bodies like CARICOM and the African Union.
Mounting Challenges in Haiti
Haiti continues to spiral into chaos as heavily armed gangs control key parts of the capital and other regions, with limited effective response from the Haitian National Police. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 triggered a political vacuum and worsened the security situation. Repeated appeals by the Haitian government for international support culminated in the October 2023 UN Security Council resolution authorizing a Multinational Security Support Mission, with Kenya volunteering to lead.
Yet, the mission has faced hurdles, including legal challenges in Kenya, logistical barriers, and concerns from human rights groups about the deployment’s potential impact on already vulnerable populations in Haiti.
A Test of African Solidarity
Kenya’s leadership in the mission is being closely watched across Africa and the international community. President William Ruto has framed the deployment as a humanitarian and Pan-African duty, describing it as “standing with our brothers and sisters in their hour of need.”
The potential support from the Dominican Republic marks a rare instance of direct African-Caribbean collaboration on security and humanitarian intervention. Analysts suggest that the success of such a partnership could pave the way for deeper inter-regional cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
“This is not just a military mission. It is a diplomatic, humanitarian, and symbolic initiative. The way Kenya handles this will shape future peacekeeping engagements between the Global South,” said Dr. Maria Gikandi, an international relations scholar at the University of Nairobi.
Looking Ahead
As Kenya finalizes its troop deployment and tightens international coordination, the role of regional players like the Dominican Republic will become increasingly crucial. The coming weeks are expected to see more formal announcements regarding operational logistics and humanitarian contingencies.
For now, Kenya’s outreach to the Dominican Republic signals a pragmatic recognition of the challenges ahead—and a willingness to build coalitions beyond traditional geopolitical line
