Kenya-Led International Security Force Makes Progress in Haiti

Significant Progress in Tackling Gang Violence

The Kenyan-led international security force deployed to Haiti has made “significant progress” in tackling gang violence, Kenyan police said, two months after they first arrived.

The force has helped Haitian police take back control of “critical infrastructure, including the airport, from gang control” and “opened critical roads that have enabled the return of thousands of Haitians earlier displaced.”

A Long-Standing Crisis

Haiti has long been plagued by violent gangs that now control swathes of the capital Port-au-Prince and the country’s main roads.

Multinational Security Support Mission

The Multinational Security Support Mission, which Kenya stepped up to lead last year, was deployed to help Haiti tackle the soaring insecurity.

The mission will involve a total of 2,500 personnel from countries including Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, the Bahamas and Barbados, with an initial duration of one year.

The United States has ruled out putting boots on the ground but is contributing funding and logistical support to the mission.

Challenges and Concerns

In an article published Monday in the Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation, several relatives of police officers deployed to Haiti reported delays in their salary payments.

Gang attacks escalated at the start of the year, pushing embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

Since then, the violence in Port-au-Prince has led to a serious humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations estimates that nearly 600,000 people have been displaced in Haiti, with the armed gangs accused of abuses including murder, rape, looting and kidnappings.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, the Kenyan-led international security force remains committed to helping Haiti address its security crisis and restore stability to the country.

FAQs

Q: How many personnel are part of the multinational security support mission?

A: The mission will involve a total of 2,500 personnel from countries including Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, the Bahamas and Barbados.

Q: How long is the mission expected to last?

A: The mission has an initial duration of one year.

Q: Is the United States involved in the mission?

A: The United States has ruled out putting boots on the ground but is contributing funding and logistical support to the mission.