The National Police Service officers under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti have handed over the Third Forwarded Operating Base to Guatemala troops, who are part of the peace mission.
The Base was established on Thursday, November 28, 2024, to support the Haitian National Police (PNH) in the building of the Office of the Inspectorate General of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH), in Delmas 2.
It was established to secure the coastline and surrounding areas.
The facility, built with the support of the Canadian and American governments, had fallen into an advanced state of disrepair after years of attacks and vandalism by gangs.
The facility has since undergone extensive renovations sponsored by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
The FOB has been a critical resource in the fight against gang activity in the region.
It has been serving as a strategic support hub, improving response times in key areas such as the National Port, the Delmas neighborhood and the coastline.
In a video posted by President William Ruto, Chief Inspector of Police Nixon Onsarigo said when they got to the area, it was in a bad shape.
Their first task was to secure the civilians and help in the renovation of the building.
Commander MSS Geoffrey Otunge said the IGPNH was “a no-go zone” and Haitians could hardly believe it when the building was secured.
“As we are talking right now, the renovation and refurbishment is being done for the IGPNH and I have my troops of the MSS currently occupying the building,” he said.
The Belize Military led by Claundio Quiroz said they have collaborated with the Kenyan troops to secure the area.
On Saturday, the third contingent of 217 Kenyan officers arrived in Haiti, joining 400 of their compatriots already in Port-au-Prince.
Their presence boosts the total number of foreign security personnel to just under 800.
There are currently police and military officers from Jamaica, along with soldiers from The Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador.
