The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission conducted an operation in a Port-au-Prince slum on Monday, recovering a high-calibre weapon and neutralizing gang elements. The operation was led by Kenyan police officers who form the backbone of the MSS mission, authorized by the United Nations to assist the Haitian National Police (PNH) in restoring order amid escalating violence.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge disclosed that the operation was in response to distress calls from residents of Kenscoff, who reported imminent attacks by armed gangs. “Several gang members were arrested while others were killed. A high-calibre firearm and a communication radio were recovered during the operation,” Otunge said.
The operation underscores the critical phase of the MSS mission, with Otunge urging all stakeholders to contribute towards dismantling the criminal networks. He also issued a stern warning to gang leaders, signaling intensified efforts to restore peace.
Over the past three weeks, joint MSS and PNH operations have targeted gang strongholds in areas such as Thomassin, resulting in arrests and casualties among gang members. These operations form part of a broader strategy to reclaim neighbourhoods and disrupt criminal activities that have plagued the country.
Kenya has taken a leading role in the MSS mission, contributing 600 officers as part of its pledge to deploy 1,000 personnel. These officers are joined by security forces from Jamaica, The Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador, bringing the total number of foreign personnel to nearly 800.
Haiti’s security challenges remain daunting, with gang violence spiraling out of control in recent years. In 2023, more than 5,600 people were killed due to gang-related violence, marking a tragic increase compared to previous years. Armed groups have seized large swathes of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, forcing over a million Haitians to flee their homes and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the presence of foreign forces and a new U.S.-backed transition government, armed gangs have continued to assert dominance, carrying out massacres and exacerbating the country’s instability. However, the MSS mission, led by Kenya, aims to reverse this trend through sustained and coordinated operations.
As Haiti grapples with its security and humanitarian crises, the MSS mission’s success depends on collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace.
