US, Kenya Sign Defense Agreement Ahead of Haiti Security Mission

The United States and Kenya have officially signed a defence agreement in a bid to enhance counterterrorism efforts in East Africa and assist Kenya's security mission in Haiti.

The pact for a five-year mutual accord between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Kenya's Defense Minister Aden Duale was ratified in Nairobi on Monday. Austin lauded Kenya's deftness in dealing with security challenges at both regional and global levels, as well as taking the lead in a multinational security force to combat gang violence in Haiti. The Biden administration strongly reiterates its commitment to raising the promised $100 million in endowment for service in Haiti through collaboration with Congress.

Austin further implored all of the countries to follow Kenya's lead by providing personnel, equipment, support, training, and funding for the planned multinational security operation earmarked to curtail Haiti's security woes. Kenya has promised to send 1,000 security forces to deal with the escalating gang-related violence in Haiti which has persisted since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The U.N. Security Council's approval is still pending for this security mission which was requested by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in October last year. Austin further lauded Kenya's partnership in countering the al-Shabab militant group in the regional fight against terrorism.

In the country of Djibouti, Austin lauded Somali forces for their incredible strides against the threat of al-Shabab. However, he voiced objections over the danger of further terrorism from ungoverned zones that could still occur under the militia's sway. While traversing Africa, Austin also met with Djibouti officials to specifically extend thanks to both the president and defence minister for their resolute partnership with the U.S. Prior to his departure for Nairobi, Austin expressed his gratitude to U.S. troops at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, recognizing their crucial role in the successful evacuation of U.S. diplomats from Sudan in April.

Since the Somali President declared a "total war" against al-Shabab in August 2022, the Somali security forces, along with their allied clan militias, have focused on pushing the extremist fighters out of central Somalia through an active military offensive. However, the terrorists have continued to target Somali forces, as evidenced by a truck bombing near a security checkpoint in the town of Beledweyne, which claimed the lives of 21 individuals and injured 52 others.