New Delhi. Everyone is aware of the economic condition of the East African country Kenya. This country, which is badly trapped in China’s debt trap, has narrowly escaped default like Sri Lanka. In June, it had to pay the installment of its Chinese loan, for which Kenya has raised money with great difficulty. Even in such a situation, why is President William Ruto adamant that a military contingent of Kenya will go to the war-torn country of the Caribbean, Haiti. It is natural to wonder what kind of trouble has come up that Kenya is ready to send its army across the seven seas. It is also worth noting here that after the uproar of the opposition and the decision of the court, the government had to back down from its stubbornness in February this year, but once again Kenya is adamant on sending the army to Haiti.
In fact, Kenya is doing all this to avoid the debt trap. The President of Kenya is currently in the US on a three-day state visit, where Joe Biden is welcoming him warmly. Kenya is not a part of the US military organization NATO. Despite this, Kenya is going to send its forces to Haiti at the behest of the US. The agenda of the Biden-Ruto meeting also includes sending Multi-National Security Intervention (MSI) to the Caribbean country Haiti. In this, Kenya is leading a mission with the support of the US. The US had already refused to contribute to this UN-backed initiative. Still, Washington has become the biggest funder of this mission by putting Kenya forward. As soon as the army is sent, Kenya will become the first country in East Africa to send its security forces out of the continent.
What will Kenya get in return by sending troops?
By sending troops to Haiti at the request of the US, Kenya is trying to fulfill a big interest in return. Kenya needs investment in the country at this time so that it can bring its poor economy back on track. Biden has given them the gift of investment during his US visit. Ruto is scheduled to have meetings at many levels with the CEOs of American companies. During this, he will invite these companies to invest in Kenya. Ruto on Wednesday signed an agreement with a company like Atlanta Delta Air Lines. This company is also considering buying a large stake in Kenya Airways. Ever since Ruto has taken power in Kenya, he has dropped a big bomb of tax on the people. Along with this, he has also increased the prices of basic necessities like petrol and diesel wildly, so that the country can be saved from sinking. After this deal, Ruto wrote in a post on the social media platform X – Kenya means business.
Why are security forces being sent to Haiti?
In February this year, criminals in the Caribbean country Haiti suddenly became violent. They declared war against the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Due to this violence from January to March, more than 2,500 people were killed across the country while at least 95,000 people have fled from the capital Port-au-Prince. PM Henry had requested the United Nations Security Council to deploy a mission last year. In this connection, security forces from different countries are being deployed to stop criminal activities.
Tags: International news, World news
FIRST PUBLISHED : May 23, 2024, 23:43 IST