Missing Kenyan Officer in Haiti Amid Gang Violence

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing after a gang ambush in Haiti while assisting the Haitian national police. This incident occurred during a patrol in Pont-Sondé, prompting a search operation. The MSS mission, comprising 600 Kenyan officers, aims to combat gang control amid rising violence in Haiti, where over 5,500 deaths were reported in 2024.

A Kenyan police officer, part of the international security force in Haiti, has gone missing following a gang ambush. The officer was providing assistance to the Haitian national police when their vehicle became caught in a ditch during a patrol in the town of Pont-Sondé. Gangs attacked as rescue efforts were underway, according to a statement from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti.

In response to the ambush, specialized teams have been dispatched to search for the missing officer. Haiti’s media speculates that the officer may have been killed, although this has not been confirmed. This incident is not an isolated case, as last month a Kenyan police constable was fatally injured in an operation in Ségur-Savien, marking the first fatality among Kenyan personnel in Haiti.

Kenya has sent approximately 600 police officers as part of the MSS mission, initiated in June last year, to help restore order in Haiti amidst escalating gang control. Gangs have taken over much of Port-au-Prince and large parts of rural areas. Reports indicate that over 5,500 individuals were killed due to gang-related violence in Haiti in 2024, leading to over one million people being displaced from their homes.

The situation in Haiti remains dire as gangs continue to exert control, posing a significant threat to international security personnel. The missing Kenyan officer highlights the dangers faced by deployed forces. Efforts to stabilize the country are ongoing, but the high levels of violence and recent fatalities indicate that the challenges are far from resolved. Continuous monitoring and support for the Haitian population are crucial moving forward.

Original Source: www.bbc.com