The Kenyan police-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) says they are focused on their mission despite attempts by gangs to attack homes in parts of Port-au-Prince.
The MSSM said Tuesday, November 19 in a statement said its key mandate is to restore stability and provide crucial support to the Haitian government amidst the current political and security situations.
“This mission remains committed to its key mandates by ensuring that it offers support to the Haitian National Police (HNP),” the statement said.
Unlike previous interventions in Haiti, this mission has a focused approach to
security reinforcement and capacity building rather than direct governance,
MSSM said.
MSSM explained their primary goal is to tackle the pervasive gang violence that has engulfed Port-au-Prince and other key regions.
“The MSSM works in support of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to dismantle criminal networks and re-establish secure zones for civilians,” it said.
The capacity building of the Haitian National Police is also at the core of the MSSM and this includes training and logistical support for the HNP, which has struggled with limited resources and personnel in its attempts to combat the escalating violence.
“Enhanced training, strategic advisory, and improved equipment are expected to boost HNP’s effectiveness in law enforcement,” the statement said.
The statement said the insecurity has made it difficult for humanitarian
organizations to operate freely.
The mission is providing security escorts and establishing safe corridors and it aims to ensure that aid can reach vulnerable populations without interference from armed groups.
This is crucial for addressing the immediate needs of displaced people and those suffering from food and water shortages.
MSSM added they are supporting political stability in the country.
“Although not directly involved in governance and internal political dynamics, the mission’s role in stabilizing the security environment is expected to create the conditions necessary for political dialogue and eventual elections," read the statement.
"By reducing violence, the MSSM hopes to enable a more conducive environment for
political reforms and democratic processes.”
MSSM said it operates under the broader framework of the UN Security Council mandate and this provides legitimacy and a coordinated approach, aligning the mission’s activities with international law and humanitarian standards.
The mission added it represents a critical opportunity for the international
community to help the country break its cycle of violence and instability.
However, its success hinges on strategic execution, sufficient resources, and building trust with the Haitian people.
“While we take cognizant of the road ahead that is fraught with challenges, the MSSM’s unique, collaborative approach has been able to offer a hopeful prospect for Haiti’s path towards recovery and long-term stability,” the statement added.
“This has been actualized through sustained MSS / HNP joint patrols and operations that have seen the gangs change their modus operandis by burning houses to instil fear, hence forcing locals to flee so that they can reclaim their perceived territories.”
It added their impact felt at Toussaint Louverture International Airport
(TLIA), Carrefour Drouillard, Cazeau, Carrefour l’aeroport, IGHNP Building,
National Port Authority (APN), Champ de Mars, Solino, Fort
National, National Police College, Pont Sonde, Carrefour Paye,
l’Estere, La Croix and Petite Riviere, Vivi Mitchell, Downtown,
Delmas, Torcelle, Bourdon, Christ Roi and Verreux Fuel Terminal.
More than 3,600 people have been killed in Haiti since January and more than 500,000 have had to leave their homes, according to the UN, which describes Haiti as being one of the poorest countries in the world.
Two million Haitians currently face emergency levels of hunger, UN data shows, while almost half the population "do not have enough to eat".
Gangs in Haiti have capitalised on the power vacuum and expanded their control over swathes of the country, which has effectively been rendered lawless in places.
Kenyan police are in Haiti to help stabilize the country from gangs.
