Kenyan Police Collaborate with Haitian Forces to Combat Gang Violence in Haiti

Kenyan police, in coordination with Haitian forces, have conducted successful raids against criminal gangs in Port-au-Prince, leading to the arrests of numerous suspects and the recovery of various weapons. This operation, part of the Multinational Security Support Mission, aims to restore stability following escalating violence and humanitarian crises affecting the nation.

Kenyan police, collaborating with Haitian forces, have executed a series of raids targeting criminal gang strongholds in the Port-au-Prince region, recovering a range of weapons and arresting numerous suspects. The coordinated operation, part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), was initiated on October 21 in response to rising violence, particularly following a devastating attack in Pont Sonde that resulted in over 115 fatalities. MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge underscored the continuing efforts to stabilize areas under gang control, specifically aiming to apprehend Elan Luckson, the notorious leader of the Gran Griff gang, who narrowly escaped capture. The joint forces successfully breached gang defenses, which included elaborate trenches and barricades, and ended their operation in the locality of “Pat Chwal” in Saint-Marc, seizing various weapons and essential supplies. The support from local civilians, who assisted in filling trenches, was instrumental to the success of the mission. Additionally, a multinational effort, including troops from Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica, aims to combat the escalating gang violence, which has led to the displacement of over 700,000 individuals and widespread hunger affecting nearly half of Haiti’s population. The recent extension of the MSS’s mandate by the U.N. Security Council reflects the urgent need for continuing international support in restoring peace in Haiti. Furthermore, previous operations have demonstrated the lethality of the ongoing conflict, with significant casualties among gang members reported. The operations seek to establish a more robust security presence to address the dire situation in the country.

The situation in Haiti has escalated into a severe crisis, primarily driven by rampant gang violence that has destabilized communities throughout the nation. The United Nations estimates that more than 700,000 individuals have been displaced due to insecurity, and roughly five million people are experiencing food shortages. In response to this crisis, the U.N. Security Council has extended the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to provide security assistance. The mission involves international police forces, including those from Kenya, Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica, working in partnership with Haitian National Police (HNP) to restore safety and order. The recent coordinated raids represent proactive measures to curb gang influence in urban areas, particularly targeting gang leaders responsible for violent activities.

In summary, the collaborative efforts of Kenyan and Haitian police in launching targeted operations against criminal gangs mark a significant stride towards restoring stability in Haiti, which has been severely impacted by gang violence. The operations, bolstered by civilian support and international collaboration, aim to dismantle gang strongholds, recover valuable weaponry, and apprehend key leaders responsible for violent crimes. The expanding humanitarian crisis underscores the urgency of these operations, as thousands face displacement and food insecurity. Continuous support and deployment of personnel are necessary to reinforce security frameworks in the region. The commitment from international forces signifies a concerted effort to bring lasting peace and security to Haiti.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke