The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) has sent a contingent of 100 police officers, mostly from Kenya, to Haiti’s Artibonite Department.
This is an attempt to stem the tide of gang violence, which has claimed at least 70 lives in one week.
This operation began in Gonaïves and Saint-Marc areas, which have recently experienced escalating attacks.
Local authorities are working to restore order after one of the deadliest attacks in the Caribbean nation’s history.
The deployment comes just five days after the infamous Gran Grif gang murdered 70 people, including infants, in Pont-Sondé.
The attack, blamed on a surge in violence by criminal groups, has left the Haitian National Police (PNH) overwhelmed and in desperate need of assistance.
Kalerbe Exantus, the PNH’s newly appointed director, confirmed that Kenyan officers will support local security forces in their fight against powerful gangs such as Kokorat San Ras and Gran Grif.
Exantus emphasised the operation’s critical focus, dismantling these gangs that have transformed communities into war zones.
“The goal is to eradicate these gangs and restore peace to the people of Artibonite,” he affirmed.
He stated that MSS officers, working alongside specialized units of the Haitian police, will play a critical role in accomplishing this goal.
The region has become a breeding ground for criminal activity, with gangs feeling emboldened to commit heinous crimes.
According to reports, one of the gangs recently demanded up to Ksh40,000 per household in exchange for “protection,” while also disrupting critical transportation routes.
This extortion has a crippling effect on local businesses and impedes essential trade, exacerbating the nation’s economic turmoil.
Last week’s massacre, which left thousands fleeing for their lives, sent shockwaves across Haiti.
Gran Grif leader Luckson Elan openly admitted responsibility for the brutal assault, claiming it was retaliation for civilians’ perceived passivity while police and vigilante groups targeted his gang members.
The violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with over 6,270 people displaced and seeking shelter with relatives or in makeshift camps.
As the MSS officers began their operations, they encountered fierce resistance.
On the morning of their deployment, officers attempted to reclaim territory in La Croix Périsse but were met with violent clashes.
Although no arrests were made, the confrontation resulted in the destruction of several homes and vehicles, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
Local communities are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the escalating lawlessness and have begun to protest for stronger action against the gangs.
Political instability and economic hardship have exacerbated Haiti’s ongoing security crisis, reducing law enforcement’s ability to respond appropriately.
The deployment of Kenyan police officers is viewed as a critical step toward restoring order, though skepticism remains about the MSS’s efficacy due to its limited resources and logistical capabilities.
