Haiti and Kenya Give Green Light for Joint Police Operation to Tackle Gang Violence

Welcome to World Brief, where we’re discussing a Kenyan-led police force heading to Haiti, Iran’s legislative elections with expected low turnout, and the funeral of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. Get World Brief in your inbox every weekday. “Historic Agreement” Kenyan President William Ruto and acting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry signed a reciprocal agreement in Nairobi to deploy 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Port-au-Prince. The mission, supported by the UN and mostly funded by the US, aims to work with Haitian police to secure critical infrastructure from criminal gangs. With gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince, the violence claimed over 4,700 lives in 2023. Despite initial legal challenges in Kenya, the agreement aims to address concerns while receiving support from countries like the Bahamas, Benin, and Jamaica. “Low Turnout in Iran” Iran saw record-low turnout in its legislative elections, with just 27% showing up after 10 hours of voting. The regime, known for touting its legitimacy through high turnout, extended polling hours to boost participation. Dissatisfaction with the hard-line regime, especially among the youth, reflects ongoing discontent following the 2022 protests. The disqualified candidates ensure a favorable outcome for the regime, highlighting limited democracy in Iran. “Remembering Navalny” Russians mourned Alexei Navalny’s death on the day of his funeral. Navalny, a vocal critic of Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in prison. Despite Kremlin denial of involvement, Western nations condemned Russia’s actions. Navalny’s death signals the need for Western nations to address Russian nationalism head-on. “Mexican Campaign Season” Mexico gears up for its largest election, with campaigns focusing on immigration, cartel violence, and inflation. Violence targeting candidates poses a threat to election integrity, with heightened security measures in place. The elections on June 2 may see Mexico elect its first female president, highlighting the nation’s political evolution. “What in the World?” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh resigned to enable reforms in the Palestinian Authority. The move comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, highlighting the challenges towards significant change in the Middle East. Don’t miss FP’s international news quiz for more insights. Don’t miss out on the latest global updates with World Brief.