NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has dispatched an additional 217 police officers to Haiti as part of an international initiative aimed at combating the rampant gang violence affecting the nation. This announcement came from Kenya’s interior minister on Saturday.

The newly deployed officers left Kenya on Friday, as noted by Minister Kipchumba Murkomen. He emphasized the significant achievements made by the mission thus far, stating, “The Kenya-led mission has made tremendous progress in reducing gang violence, earning praise across the globe.” Murkomen also shared a photo capturing some of the officers on their flight to Haiti.

According to the minister, Kenya remains resolute in its commitment to this historic mission. The country’s involvement in Haiti began in June, and the current number of deployed personnel now exceeds 600. President William Ruto has committed to sending a total of 1,000 troops to support the U.N.-endorsed force operating in Haiti.

The impact of gang violence in Haiti has been devastating, leading to the displacement of over 700,000 individuals in recent years. Many of these affected people have been forced into precarious living conditions, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters that lack basic sanitation and safety.

Reports from the United Nations indicate that last year alone, over 5,600 lives were lost due to violence in Haiti, reflecting a more than 20% increase in homicides compared to the previous year. The U.N. Human Rights Office also documented over 2,200 injuries and nearly 1,500 incidents of kidnapping during the same period.