Kenyan police recapture key Port in Haiti

By Peter Ochieng 

Kenyan police officers in collaboration with their Haitian counterparts have announced a major breakthrough in the United Nations (UN) backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to the Caribbean nation.

The security agencies have successfully recaptured the port of Port-au-Prince, after a fierce gun battle with gang members who had occupied the strategic seaport since March 6, 2024.

The Port international de Port-au-Prince is the seaport in the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince. MSS Mission Commander Godfrey Otunge in a statement said Kenyan police officers, alongside Haitian National Police (HNP), also reclaimed control of critical infrastructure, including a public hospital previously dominated by gangs.

“The team will continue conducting its operations in Haiti after reclaiming the public hospital that was in the control of the gangs,” he said.

Otunge said the operation followed the Haitian Prime Minister’s declaration of a 30-day state of security emergency on July 17, 2024, affecting 14 cities across the nation.

“The MSS takes cognizance of this bold and decisive move by the Haitian Government to combat armed gangs and eventually eradicate violence that has crippled the State.”

“The MSS and HNP are committed to adhering to internationally accepted practices and the rule of law. They are relentlessly striving to get rid of gang activity within the city of Port-au-Prince and its environs through all available lawful means to achieve quick wins and positive impact that will guarantee access to services and peace and stability for the local populace,” the commander added.

Significant progress has been reported since the arrival of a second contingent of troops from Kenya on July 16, 2024.

He further emphasised that they continue to conduct their daily operations in efforts to stabilise Haiti, while striving to reclaim critical facilities currently under the control of armed gangs.