The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) has dispatched a contingent of one hundred police officers, mostly from Kenya, to Haiti’s Artibonite Department in an attempt to stem the tide of gang violence, which has taken at least 70 lives in a single week.
This operation commenced in GonaĂŻves and Saint-Marc areas that have in the past week suffered escalating attacks as local authorities scramble to restore order following one of the deadliest attacks in the Caribbean nation’s recent history.
The deployment comes just five days after the infamous Gran Grif gang perpetrated a shocking massacre, killing 70 individuals, including infants, in the town of Pont-Sondé. The attack, attributed to a surge in violence by criminal groups, has left the Haitian National Police (PNH) overwhelmed and in dire need of assistance. Kalerbe Exantus, the newly installed director of the PNH, confirmed that the Kenyan officers will bolster local security forces in their fight against powerful gangs like Kokorat San Ras and Gran Grif.
Exantus emphasised the critical focus of the operation: dismantling these gangs, which have turned communities into war zones. “The goal is to eradicate these gangs and restore peace to the people of Artibonite,” he affirmed, asserting that the MSS officers, working alongside specialised units of the Haitian police, will play a pivotal role in achieving this objective.
President William Ruto interacting with Kenya Police officers in Haiti, September 2024.
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PSC
The region has become a breeding ground for criminal activities, with gangs increasingly emboldened to commit heinous acts. Reports indicate that one of the gangs recently demanded ransoms of up to Ksh40,000 per household for “protection,” while also disrupting vital transport routes. This extortion has a crippling effect on local businesses and hampers essential trade, further exacerbating the economic turmoil facing the nation.
Last week’s massacre, which left thousands fleeing for their lives, sent shockwaves throughout Haiti. Gran Grif leader Luckson Elan openly took responsibility for the brutal assault, claiming it was retaliation against perceived passivity from civilians while police and vigilante groups targeted his gang members. The violence has created a humanitarian crisis, with over 6,270 people displaced and seeking shelter with relatives or in makeshift camps.
As the MSS officers launched operations, they encountered fierce resistance. On the morning of their deployment, officers attempted to reclaim territory in La Croix PĂ©risse but faced violent clashes. Although no arrests were made, several homes and vehicles were torched in the confrontation, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
Local communities are growing increasingly frustrated with the escalating lawlessness and have begun to protest for more decisive action against the gangs.
Haiti’s ongoing security crisis has been exacerbated by political instability and economic hardship, which have weakened law enforcement’s capacity to respond effectively. The introduction of Kenyan police officers is seen as a vital step towards restoring order, though skepticism remains high regarding the efficacy of the MSS given its limited resources and logistical capabilities.
Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille meeting with the Kenyan Police officers after their arrival in the Caribbean nation
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China Daily