Kenyan Police Officer Missing Following Gang Ambush in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti after a gang ambush while assisting the Haitian national police. The incident occurred during a patrol operation in Pont-Sondé, leading to concerns over the officer’s safety. This attack follows previous incidents involving Kenyan police officers, as the MSS mission works to combat gang violence in Haiti, which has resulted in significant fatalities and displacement.

A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti as part of an international security force has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. The incident occurred while the Kenyan police were assisting the Haitian national police with a vehicle that had gotten stuck in a ditch, as confirmed by a statement from the mission.

During the incident on Tuesday, in the town of Pont-Sondé, as rescue teams worked to assist, gangs lying in ambush launched an attack. In response, specialized search teams have been deployed to locate the missing officer. Reports from local media suggest that the officer might have been killed in the ambush, but this information remains unverified.

This is not an isolated incident; Kenyan officers have previously faced attacks in Haiti. Last month, a 26-year-old police constable was fatally wounded during an operation in Ségur-Savien, marking the first death within the Kenyan contingent in Haiti. Consequently, the body of Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was returned to Kenya, with a burial held earlier this month.

As part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, Kenya has committed 600 police officers to help restore order in Haiti, which is facing severe gang violence. Since last year, this force aims to contain the escalating crisis where gangs have assumed control over significant areas, especially in Port-au-Prince and various rural regions. Additionally, in 2024 alone, over 5,500 individuals have succumbed to gang-related violence, resulting in more than a million people being displaced from their homes.

In conclusion, the situation in Haiti remains precarious with ongoing violence from gangs, which has led to the tragic disappearance of a Kenyan police officer. This incident highlights the dangers faced by international forces in the region. With the deployment of Kenyan police to combat gang influence commencing last June, the ongoing threat necessitates continued efforts to restore stability amidst escalating violence and significant human suffering.

Original Source: www.bbc.com