US donates equipment and vehicles to support Kenya-led Haiti security mission

US donates equipment and vehicles to support Kenya-led Haiti security mission


MSS Force Commander SAIG Godfrey Otunge. PHOTO/@MSSMHaiti/X

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has received a major boost after the government of the U.S. donated equipment and vehicles to facilitate the fight against gangs.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge said that the donation emphasises the U.S. commitment to support the mission.

The donation includes 600 firearms, nine Toyota and Ford vehicles, two trucks, two armoured loaders, and other heavy equipment.

“Sustaining the momentum, the fight against gangs received a major boost on Monday, February 10, 2025, when the U.S. State Department, through the INL, donated crucial equipment to the HNP.

“This donation underscores the United States’ continued commitment to supporting both the HNP and MSS, enhancing their operational capacity to combat gangs and restore peace in Haiti,” MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge’s statement reads.

MSS achievement

Commander Otunge further revealed that through a joint operation on Sunday, February 9, 2025, several gang members were arrested, and 15 handguns and 12 communication radios were seized.

“The joint operations continued on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Tabarre, where several Krazebarière gang members were arrested. Security forces seized 15 handguns and 12 communication radios from their base, striking a major blow against Vitèlôme’s criminal network, part of the ‘Vivansam’ gang alliance,” he stated.

According to MSS structures set up for an unauthorised carnival festival of the Mawozo gang, led by Lanmô San Jou, were dismantled following the joint operation in Croix-des-Bouquets.

Kenyan Police Officers patrolling streets in Haiti. PHOTO/@Copskenya/X
Kenyan Police Officers patrolling streets in Haiti. PHOTO/@Copskenya/X

U.S support

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the United States government reiterated its commitment to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, dispelling concerns over a potential funding freeze that had sparked uncertainty about the future of the peacekeeping effort.

In a statement released, the US Embassy in Nairobi emphasised that the Trump administration remains steadfast in its backing of the mission.

The embassy’s post on X amplified a message from the US Embassy in Haiti, underscoring continued American financial and logistical support for the beleaguered Caribbean nation’s security efforts.

The US Embassy in Nairobi noted that the new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had reaffirmed America’s commitment to the Haiti mission in his telephone call with President William Ruto.

“The United States continues to support the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. As @SecRubio said in his call with President Ruto on January 27, we are grateful for Kenya’s leadership of this mission,” the US Embassy in Nairobi stated.