By Ebi Kesiena
Kenyan police, deployed in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), are reporting substantial progress after two months of operations aimed at combating gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
In a press statement, Kenya’s Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, noted that August 26 marked two months since the initial deployment of Kenyan security forces to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
According to Masengeli, the Kenyan contingent has successfully “pacified threats to public safety and security, reclaimed critical infrastructure, including the airport, from gang control, and reopened vital roads, allowing the return of thousands of displaced Haitians.”
The Kenyan police are also working to secure ongoing support for the MSS through close collaboration with other countries, international partners, and the United Nations.
The press release confirmed that the Kenyan officers deployed in Haiti continue to receive their National Police Service salaries, with their MSS deployment allowances now fully processed.
Masengeli who expressed confidence in the mission’s ability to restore peace and stability in Haiti explained that the deployment of Kenyan police officers is part of a broader MSS initiative authorized by the United Nations Security Council.
The mission’s primary goal is to support the Haitian National Police in re-establishing security and stability amidst the escalating gang violence, humanitarian crises, and political instability that have plagued the country.
Heritage Times recalls that Haiti has experienced a surge in violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise three years ago.
Earlier this year, rival armed groups seized control of Port-au-Prince, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Currently, armed gangs are estimated to control approximately 80% of the city. In response to the ongoing crisis, UN development specialist Garry Conille was appointed Haiti’s new prime minister in May.
