Kenya's Offer to Combat Gang Violence in Haiti Gains International Support

The kidnapping of an American nurse and her child in Haiti has highlighted the country's rampant lawlessness, with over 1,000 people taken hostage for ransom in the first half of this year. Waves of crime and unrest have plagued Haiti since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, hindering efforts to hold crucial elections. While Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the UN Secretary General have called for a military intervention, neighboring countries have been reluctant to take the lead. Kenya has now offered to lead a multinational force to restore normalcy, but the situation remains dire as gangs continue to view kidnapping as a lucrative industry. The violence has caused thousands of Haitians to flee their homes, disrupted supply lines, and weakened the social fabric. Despite occasional moments of peace, the country remains trapped in a cycle of violence, with recent attacks prompting the US State Department to order the evacuation of non-emergency personnel.