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Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent expression of support for the Dominican Republic’s involvement in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti raises significant concerns, particularly for those who understand the complex political and historical relationship between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While the intentions behind the mission—to restore peace and stability in Haiti—are commendable, the involvement of Dominican troops risks deepening the historical and political rift between the two nations, potentially undermining the mission’s goals.
Lack of Understanding of Political Realities
The Dominican Republic and Haiti share more than a border—they share a fraught history marked by tension, distrust, and, at times, outright hostility. For decades, relations between the two nations have been strained by issues of sovereignty, identity, and the treatment of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic. By supporting the deployment of Dominican troops in Haiti, President Ruto risks inadvertently supporting a military presence that Haitians may view not as a peacekeeping force, but as a reminder of past injustices and unresolved conflicts.
For Haitians, the idea of Dominican troops on their soil carries heavy symbolic weight. The Dominican Republic has historically viewed Haitian migration and influence as a threat to its national identity, often resorting to discriminatory policies against Haitian-descended people. There is a persistent belief in the Dominican Republic that the Haitian presence on the island represents a form of occupation, fueling resentment that could seep into military operations in Haiti. Ruto’s endorsement of Dominican involvement overlooks the deeply rooted mistrust many Haitians feel toward their neighbor.
A Conflict of Interests
The deployment of Dominican troops in Haiti might also be seen as an affront to Haitian sovereignty. Many Haitians could view this as a dangerous precedent, where their country is subject to foreign intervention from a nation that has, historically, been more of an adversary than an ally. The fact that the Dominican Republic and Haiti are neighbors does not necessarily make the Dominican military a suitable partner in restoring Haitian peace and stability.
Dominican troops might not be perceived as neutral actors in this mission, leading to a breakdown in trust between the Haitian people and the MSS forces. This is crucial for any peacekeeping mission, as the legitimacy of such an operation depends on the trust of the local population. Without this trust, the peacekeeping efforts may be viewed as foreign impositions rather than genuine attempts to support Haiti’s long-term stability. Dominican involvement risks reinforcing the perception that external forces are taking advantage of Haiti’s vulnerability, rather than helping it recover.
Potential for Escalating Tensions
Given the Dominican Republic’s internal debates about Haitian migration and the perceived “Haitianization” of parts of the country, the deployment of Dominican troops could be seen as an opportunity for the Dominican government to assert control in a way that benefits its own domestic agenda. This raises the question of whether the Dominican Republic can truly act impartially within the framework of the MSS mission. The Dominican government’s past actions, such as the 2013 court ruling that effectively rendered thousands of people of Haitian descent stateless, cast doubt on its ability to contribute positively to Haitian security.
Moreover, the presence of Dominican troops in Haiti may aggravate long-standing tensions along the border. It could embolden elements within the Dominican Republic that have historically favored a more aggressive stance toward Haitian migration. Such a scenario could further destabilize the region and derail the mission’s goals of peace and security.
Kenyan Leadership and Neutrality
Kenya, as the leader of the MSS mission, has the potential to play a pivotal role in restoring peace in Haiti. By spearheading the mission, Kenya has the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating a neutral, non-colonial approach to international peacekeeping. Kenyan troops are likely to be viewed as impartial actors in Haiti, free from the historical baggage that weighs down Dominican involvement.
It would be far more beneficial for Ruto to focus Kenya’s resources on leading the mission through a diverse coalition of nations that do not have direct political or historical conflicts with Haiti. The success of the mission depends on the credibility and neutrality of the forces involved, which is why the Dominican Republic’s participation could undermine the very stability the MSS seeks to achieve.
A Reconsideration is Needed
While President Ruto’s intentions may be rooted in a desire to support peace and stability, endorsing Dominican involvement in Haiti’s security mission overlooks the deep-seated political realities between the two nations. The historical context of Haitian-Dominican relations makes it unlikely that Dominican troops will be perceived as neutral peacekeepers. Instead, their presence could exacerbate tensions, both within Haiti and between the two countries.
Kenya’s leadership in the MSS mission offers an opportunity for a fresh, impartial approach to Haiti’s security challenges. Ruto should reconsider his support for Dominican involvement and advocate for a more balanced, internationally-led peacekeeping effort that prioritizes Haitian sovereignty and trust.
