A number of Kenyan police officers have started taking French lessons as logistical arrangements for the multinational security support mission in Haiti take shape...

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the move was part of preparatory efforts for Kenyan security personnel who will complement the efforts of the Haitian National Police currently fighting criminal gangs.

Let's remember that the two official languages spoken in Kenya are Swahili and English while in Haiti they are French and Creole. This learning of French will allow Kenyan forces to better communicate with their Haitian counterparts and the general public.

However, Mutua reiterated that the Kenyan contingent would only deploy after the green light from the United Nations Security Council, adding that Kenya was actively pursuing discussions to obtain the necessary support for the proposed mission. "After that we will deploy to Haiti, latest by early January," Mutua said, adding that they have started planning the logistics, equipment and personnel for the deployment.

While explaining Kenya's decision to accept the proposed police mission in Haiti, Mutua said the move was driven by the request of the Caribbean State's leaders.

Mutua said more than ten other countries have indicated their willingness to contribute to the multinational security support mission.

S/ HaitiLibre