Blocked roads, rising fear: Why Haitians tried to stop Kenyan police from leaving
Civilians in parts of Haiti have taken the extraordinary step of blocking roads in a bid to stop Kenyan police officers from leaving—an unusual twist in a mission that began with promises of restoring order.
In recent days, protesters erected barricades in towns including Petite Rivière and St. Marc, disrupting movement as Kenyan officers prepared to depart under a phased withdrawal plan.
Some officers were eventually airlifted out after access routes were cut off.
The message from sections of the public was clear: their departure is causing anxiety.
A mission born out of crisis
Kenya first deployed police officers to Haiti in June 2024, leading a United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission aimed at stabilising a country overwhelmed by gang violence.
In parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, armed groups had effectively taken control, paralysing daily life and stretching local law enforcement to breaking point.
Kenya framed its role as a humanitarian intervention, stepping in to support Haitian police and restore order where institutions were struggling.
But the mission quickly ran into the realities of Haiti’s security landscape.
Gangs remained deeply entrenched and heavily armed.
Operational challenges, including funding and logistics, slowed momentum.
At the same time, the presence of Kenyan officers created pockets of stability—enough for some communities to begin relying on them for security.
That reliance is now shaping the reaction to their exit.
Why Haitians are resisting the exit
As the withdrawal begins, fear is replacing uncertainty.
For some residents, the departure of Kenyan police raises the risk of a security vacuum—one that gangs could quickly exploit.
The roadblocks and protests are not just acts of defiance.
They are a reflection of a deeper concern: What happens when the security presence disappears?
A fragile turning point
The scenes unfolding in Haiti tell a complicated story.
A mission that arrived as a symbol of hope is leaving behind mixed outcomes—progress in some areas, uncertainty in others.
And as civilians block roads to delay the exit, one reality is becoming harder to ignore:
For some Haitians, the departure of Kenyan police feels less like an ending—and more like the beginning of another crisis.
To advertise with us, send an email to advert@avdeltanews.world