US hails Kenya's efforts in addressing Haiti’s security crisis

They also discussed Kenya's diplomatic efforts in the Horn of Africa.

According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken and President Ruto reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission, which aims to strengthen the Haitian National Police's capacity to conduct free and fair elections by establishing necessary security conditions.

Miller also stated that Secretary Blinken appreciated Kenya's diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in the volatile Horn of Africa region. 

Haiti's government declared a state of emergency last Sunday after inmates escaped in two major prison breaks, halting businesses, including airports, which have seen heavy gunfire take place near them in recent days.

The United Nations' immigration office said during the weekend that at least 15,000 people had been displaced due to violence.

"Armed gangs forced us to leave our homes. They destroyed our houses, and we're on the streets," said on Monday a man who gave his name as Nicolas and is living in a camp.

Rights group Plan International said many were fleeing the capital for Artibonite, traditionally Haiti's breadbasket farming region but whose residents are now facing food shortages as fighting spreads north.

Following an assessment of 500 testimonies, it found many families were skipping food for a day, over half of children were out of school, and a lack of money meant many felt they had no choice but to join gangs. Some 30% to 50% of gang members are estimated to be minors, the group said.

Country director Allassane Drabo said girls were at particular risk of forced marriage, with parents unable to meet basic needs. "Widespread violence is robbing too many of their childhood, with girls being forced to swap schoolbooks and bread for guns and wedding dresses," he said.

"I didn't have time to take any of my things, not even my underwear," said Jasmine, who declined to give her last name, at a shelter. "I didn't know what to do."

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, violent gangs have expanded control of their territory. Henry - who leads an unelected interim government - had pledged to step down by February, but delayed the process, citing a lack of security.