'Haitians hopeful as Kenya-led mission begins'

 An abandoned theater in Port-au-Prince has become a refuge for those displaced by gang violence in Haiti's capital.

For those inside, like bricklayer Roman Ferre, much now depends on a U.N.-backed peacekeeping mission led by Kenyan police officers, who arrived in the Caribbean country this week.

"We hope they're here to sort something out, because we're really in trouble. Our houses are burnt down, our homes are set on fire and looted, that's where we are. I've been here for ten months, we're really in trouble."

Haiti Prime Minister Gary Conille visited the Kenyan police base in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday (June 26).

He said he believed this was the start of a new beginning for the country, and asked people to be patient and vigilant.

Gang wars have now displaced over half a million people and nearly five million are facing severe food insecurity.

At the abandoned theater, teacher Renzo Novanel said he wants the foreign countries intervening in Haiti to consider the plight of those who have lost their homes, as much as they think about restoring order.

"... Because we are victims and we want to have a solution tomorrow so that the country can get better and we can get our heads out of the situation we find ourselves in today."

Kenya volunteered to lead the force last July.

However, deployment was repeatedly delayed by court challenges and worsening violence in Haiti.

Troops have also arrived even as deadly protests back at home prompted doubts about Kenya's ability to lead the security mission

The Kenyan police are expected to be joined by officers from some 15 other countries, including those in Africa and the Caribbean, as well as Canada, France, Germany, Britain and Spain.

All together the security forces will form a 2,500-strong mission funded primarily by the United States.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/haitians-hopeful-kenya-led-mission-120308158.html