Kenyan Officer Missing Amid Rising Gang Violence in Haiti

The Kenyan mission in Haiti reported one missing police officer after a gang ambush resulted in the death of another officer. The situation highlights ongoing violence and challenges facing international efforts to stabilize Haiti, with U.S. officials reaffirming support for the Kenyan-led mission amidst escalating gang activity.

The Kenyan mission in Haiti has reported that one of its police officers is missing, following a violent ambush by gangs that also resulted in the destruction of three armored vehicles. The Multinational Security Support mission confirmed its efforts to locate the missing officer. Subsequently, videos surfaced on messaging platforms showing a deceased officer, dressed in camouflage while being assaulted by gang members, prompting grave concerns about the officer’s fate.

This incident underscores ongoing violence, marking the second death among the Kenyan officers since their deployment in June. Earlier, another officer, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, lost his life during operations against the Gran Grief gang. Reports indicate that violent clashes occurred throughout the day in the Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite area, with gangs leveraging violent tactics amid a worsening security situation in Haiti.

The attack arises amidst an escalating siege in Port-au-Prince by influential gang coalitions. Gangs have fortified positions in Clemenceau, preparing for multi-directional attacks from urban and mountainous territories. These assaults are coupled with an increase in kidnappings, with reports suggesting abductions are utilized as human shields against police drone attacks targeting gang strongholds.

According to the Kenyan mission, the unfortunate incident transpired around 4:30 p.m. on the Carrefour Paye-Savien road. A Haiti National Police vehicle became stranded in a ditch, reportedly created by gangs as a trap. Attempting to assist, two rescue vehicles from the Kenyan police were deployed but faced mechanical failures, leaving them vulnerable to an ambush from the gangs. The mission has since dispatched specialized teams to search for the missing officer.

Despite their efforts, the Kenyan mission faces significant challenges, including funding shortages and inadequate resources. In related developments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Caribbean leaders to address the crisis in Haiti, reaffirming strong U.S. support for the Kenyan-led stabilization efforts. This indicates a collaborative regional approach to mitigate the deteriorating situation in Haiti, emphasizing the commitment to confront the complex challenges posed by the ongoing violence.

The worsening security situation in Haiti is underscored by the recent ambush of Kenyan police officers, leading to a missing officer and potential second casualty. With escalating violence from gangs and ineffective responses, efforts to stabilize the region face significant challenges. The U.S. government is working collaboratively with Caribbean leaders to address these issues effectively, reflecting a unified stance on the critical need for stability in Haiti.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com