Missing Kenyan Officer Amid Ongoing Gang Violence in Haiti

The Kenyan-led mission in Haiti reports a missing officer after gang ambushes resulted in violence against armored vehicles. Videos show a lifeless officer, marking a second death since operations began. The situation highlights ongoing instability in Port-au-Prince and the challenges faced by international forces amid escalating gang activity.

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti has reported that one of its police officers is missing following an ambush on three armored vehicles by criminal gangs. Videos circulating on social media depict the lifeless body of a police officer in camouflage, as gang members celebrated the destruction of the armored vehicles. This incident represents the second reported death of a member of the international security support team in Haiti since its deployment in June.

The body of the missing officer comes after the killing of Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who lost his life during an operation against the Gran Grief gang earlier this month. A local source from the Haiti National Police indicated that the agency is still clarifying the circumstances surrounding the violent clashes that erupted with the Gran Grief gang in the Artibonite region, specifically around Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite.

The violence in Artibonite coincides with a broader siege of Port-au-Prince conducted by a coalition of gangs. These groups have strategically positioned themselves for further attacks, threatening the areas they do not control. In the meantime, the increase in violence has included a rise in kidnappings as gangs apparently resort to abducting individuals to shield themselves from police drone operations.

Regarding the Kenyan police officer’s disappearance, the incident occurred when a Haiti National Police armored vehicle got stuck, allegedly due to intentional actions by the gangs. As Kenyan MRAP vehicles were dispatched to assist, one further became immobilized, while the other experienced mechanical issues, leading to a coordinated ambush by gang members. The Kenyan mission has confirmed that specialized search teams have been activated to locate the missing officer.

The mission faces significant challenges in combating gang activities due to funding shortages, insufficient officer numbers, and a lack of necessary equipment. In conjunction with ongoing issues, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to engage with Caribbean leaders about the troubling situation in Haiti following a discussion with Kenyan President William Ruto. This was further echoed by Mauricio Claver-Carone, who emphasized the shared commitment to address the complex challenges facing Haiti.

In summary, the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission has faced severe challenges in Haiti, including the reported disappearance of a police officer following violent gang ambushes. This incident underscores the ongoing peril and instability in the region, already marred by previous casualties among international forces. The U.S. maintains support for the mission as discussions for collaborative efforts to stabilize Haiti continue. Immediate actions involve search efforts for the missing officer and considerations for enhancing mission capabilities.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com