Kenya Police Collaborate with Haiti to Combat Gang Violence and Restore Stability
Kenyan police have partnered with Haitian law enforcement to reclaim gang-controlled areas in Port-au-Prince, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of weapons during operations conducted on October 21, 2024. The efforts follow a violent uprising that earlier killed over 115 individuals, highlighting the urgent need for action against gangs like the Gran Griff. The international community remains engaged in support of Haitian stability as humanitarian conditions worsen.
Kenyan police, in collaboration with their Haitian counterparts, have conducted a series of raids targeting criminal gang strongholds in the greater Port-au-Prince area as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). On October 21, 2024, these operations led to the arrest of numerous individuals suspected of gang involvement and the recovery of various weapons. MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge confirmed that the operations would continue with the aim of restoring order in areas controlled by gangs. The swift action followed a gruesome attack in Pont Sonde that claimed the lives of more than 115 individuals, prompting urgent police deployment for both daytime and nighttime patrols. The primary goal of the recent raid was to capture Elan Luckson, the leader of the Gran Griff gang, who is believed to orchestrate violent attacks against locals. “Despite the gang’s frantic efforts to dig trenches, ditches and put barricades on the roads to impede access to their hideouts, the joint MSS and HNP resolute teams went for them and smocked them out of their hideouts where Luckson (the notorious gang leader) escaped by a whisker,” stated Commander Otunge. The joint forces faced significant challenges including physically obstructed pathways due to the gangs’ defenses, necessitating the filling of trenches with sand to facilitate access. The operations concluded at “Pat Chwal,” situated within the Saint-Marc municipality, where authorities recovered an assortment of weapons and equipment, including a Mossberg 12 GA rifle, a fake pistol, and equipment belonging to the Haiti National Police. Furthermore, evidence highlights a broader regional commitment to stabilize Haiti as police from Kenya, Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica join efforts to combat gang violence. The current conditions in Haiti are dire, with over 700,000 displaced and approximately five million facing hunger, according to United Nations estimates. Recently, the U.N. Security Council reaffirmed its support for the MSS, extending its mandate for another year amid discussions regarding transforming the operation into a U.N. peacekeeping mission—a proposal that faced opposition from Russia and China.
The situation in Haiti has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, compounded by rampant gang violence that has destabilized entire neighborhoods. Over the past few years, the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated sharply, with gangs exerting control over various regions, resulting in widespread fear and violence. This climate has led to significant displacement, with reports indicating that a substantial portion of the population is facing food insecurity. The international community has responded with missions aimed at restoring order, leading to multinational collaborations like the MSS, which comprises police forces from various nations, including Kenya, to assist local law enforcement in combating gang activity.
In conclusion, the recent operations by Kenyan police and Haitian officers signify a concerted effort to reclaim control from criminal gangs in Port-au-Prince. The strategic actions taken during these operations reflect the critical need for ongoing support and collaboration among international forces to ensure the stability and safety of Haitian communities. As the humanitarian situation continues to unfold, sustained efforts will be essential to restore peace and address the underlying challenges faced by the population.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
