The third contingent of over 200 police officers from Kenya arrived Saturday in Haiti for the United Nations-backed peace mission to battle violent gangs that have taken over parts of the troubled Caribbean country.
They were received by Haitian President Fritz Alphonse Jean among other top government officials.
The 217 officers will bolster the efforts of the first and second contingents, totalling 400 officers, who were deployed last year to help restore stability
The elite officers drawn from NPS formations and units are mandated to protect civilians, uphold public order, and assist in the reform and fortification of regional law enforcement organizations.
They will be accountable for patrolling, community policing, and training and supervising Haitian law enforcement personnel.
MSSM in Haiti was authorised by the UN Security Council on October 2, 2023, under Resolution 2699 to assist Haitian National Police in combating gang violence and restoring stability in Haiti.
In addition to the Kenyan officers, the mission also includes personnel from Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Belize.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen while flagging off the new group hailed the Kenya-led mission for making tremendous progress in reducing gang violence, earning praise across the globe, including from both the outgoing and incoming US administrations.
“Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering and we will continue to mobilise all the necessary international support for it to succeed,” he said.
President William Ruto has expressed confidence in achieving lasting peace in conflict-ravaged Haiti, emphasizing that the officers were carefully selected based on their integrity, professionalism, and capabilities to contribute effectively to the peace mission.
Successes
Since its deployment, the mission has achieved several successes in pacifying various regions of the Caribbean nation.
“Many Haitian citizens respect and appreciate the Kenyan police for their professional behaviour and dedication to their duty,” the President said.
Notwithstanding the difficulties, their initiatives have strengthened local law enforcement’s capabilities, improved community relations, and reduced violent crime in certain areas.
“The police officers have executed successful missions, the mission has operated in challenging and risky environments to protect the citizens,” Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said.
HAITI MISSION
Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli: The police officers have executed successful missions, the mission has operated in challenging and risky environments to protect the citizens.#KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/dcOgwXYOeU
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) January 19, 2025
