Haitian Prime Minister Urges Kenyan President to Strengthen Security Mission

Haiti’s Prime Minister has called on Kenyan President William Ruto to bolster Kenya’s security mission in Haiti, aiming to address ongoing unrest and stabilize the country.

Prime Minister Gary Conille urgently appealed to Kenyan President William Ruto for the swift deployment of 600 more police officers. During his visits to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya, Conille highlighted the necessity for increased support as he addressed the challenges that powerful gangs pose to the Haitian National Police.

This request for more officers follows the deployment of 400 Kenyan personnel to a U.N.-supported Multinational Security Mission focused on stabilizing Haiti. Initiated earlier this year, the mission has been crucial in assisting Haiti’s efforts to reestablish law and order in regions controlled by criminal groups.

The appeal aligns with a major advancement in the battle against gang violence, as Haitian and Kenyan forces were recently involved in a shootout that critically wounded “Deshommes,” the deputy leader of the infamous Kraze Baryè gang. This operation took place in Torcelle, located in Port-au-Prince’s southeastern area, leading to 20 gang members being killed. During these raids, authorities confiscated firearms, ammunition, phones, and other crucial equipment.

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The Haitian National Police have stated that these operations are part of a larger initiative to dismantle key gang leadership, notably targeting Vitel’Homme Innocent. This infamous gang leader has been sanctioned by the United States, European Union, and U.N. Security Council for his involvement in numerous high-profile crimes such as the armed kidnapping of 16 Christian missionaries in 2021 and the murder of missionary Marie Franklin in 2022. The U.S. is offering a $2 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

As violence continues to escalate, the Haitian government is steadfast in its resolve to reclaim areas under gang control. Conille’s appeal to President Ruto highlights the pressing need for international collaboration in this fight, with additional officers anticipated to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Haiti.