Lula Demands Stronger Haiti Security as Kenya-Led Mission Struggles to Deliver

A fresh storm is brewing over the Kenya-led Haiti Mission. Brazil’s President Inácio Lula da Silva has now joined a growing list of global leaders raising concerns about the mission’s effectiveness.

On Friday, Lula demanded stronger security intervention in Haiti, saying the current setup is not enough to tackle the island nation’s gang crisis.

The call came during a meeting with Caribbean leaders in Brasília. Lula pushed for the United Nations to either boost funding for the current force or officially convert it into a full UN peacekeeping mission. His remarks have intensified pressure on Kenya, which leads the struggling force.

Brazil’s President Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during a high-level meeting, urging the UN to strengthen the Kenya-led Haiti Mission and boost global support to restore peace and democracy in gang-ravaged Haiti. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya-Led Haiti Mission Faces Growing Criticism from Global Leaders

The Kenya-Led Haiti Mission was formed to restore peace in Haiti, which has become a gang-controlled war zone. Despite being backed by the United Nations, the mission has failed to match the strength and urgency of the violence unfolding in the streets of Port-au-Prince.

Brazil’s President Lula said the mission lacked proper funding and manpower. He warned that Haiti’s return to democracy and national stability depends on stronger international support. Lula called on the UN to either provide more resources or turn the current setup into a full peacekeeping force.

The current mission is funded by voluntary donations to a UN Trust Fund. The fund has collected pledges totaling $96.8 million (around Ksh12.4 billion), but most of this money has not reached the ground. Meanwhile, Kenya has already spent over Ksh2.1 billion of its own funds, raising domestic concerns about the cost and impact of its overseas security role.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei tried to calm the criticism. He said that the money spent by Kenya will be refunded once the UN Trust Fund is fully operational. “This is standard procedure. Kenya will be reimbursed,” he said.

But Lula’s comments reveal a deeper frustration shared by many. Countries like France, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and even the Haitian government have asked the United Nations to step in with stronger authority and more reliable funding.

The real roadblock lies at the UN Security Council. While the United States supports transforming the mission into a formal UN peacekeeping force, Russia and China—both permanent members with veto power—have opposed the move.

Kenya Struggles to Equip and Sustain Its Troops in Haiti

Apart from money, Kenya’s leadership of the Haiti mission is being questioned over preparedness and logistics. Several reports from the ground have revealed that Kenyan police officers are ill-equipped to deal with the heavily armed Haitian gangs. Sources say some of the officers lacked quality body armor and modern tactical gear.

Kenya’s government has dismissed these claims, insisting that its officers are fully ready for the job. Still, murmurs persist about strained relations between Kenyan forces and the Haitian National Police (HNP), who have allegedly clashed over mission strategy.

These tensions only fuel the view that Kenya, despite its good intentions, may not be the best fit to lead such a complex international security effort. The pressure is growing from both inside and outside the country to reassess the mission’s leadership and structure.

Calls for a Full UN Peacekeeping Mission Gain Momentum

Kenya is not fighting alone. Other nations are helping, including Jamaica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Bahamas. But without proper coordination, gear, and funding, their support cannot make up for what the mission lacks in organization and authority.

Monica Juma, President Ruto’s National Security Advisor, earlier told the UN Security Council that Kenya backs Haiti’s call for the mission to be converted into a UN peacekeeping operation. “This will bring predictable and sustainable resources,” she said. “It will also widen the platform for more partners to join.”

Such a transformation could change everything. A full peacekeeping mission would mean troops are better resourced, better managed, and better supported. But until the UN Security Council agrees, the Kenya-led effort remains stuck between ambition and reality.

For now, Lula’s demand has reignited a tough question: Can Kenya truly lead Haiti out of crisis without more help?