Faith Nyasuguta
Kenyan police officers working in Haiti have achieved notable success in joint operations with Haitian authorities to counter gang violence. In recent operations across various regions, including Port-au-Prince, Artibonite, and the wider Western departments, officers under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) have seized firearms, dismantled criminal strongholds, and arrested numerous suspected gang members.
Commander Godfrey Otunge of the MSS confirmed that these efforts mark substantial progress in stabilizing the region. “Despite the gang’s desperate attempts to fortify their hideouts by digging trenches and erecting barricades, MSS and Haitian National Police (HNP) teams pressed forward,” Otunge stated, emphasizing their commitment to dismantling criminal networks in Haiti. The commander added that operations will continue until all remaining gang strongholds are neutralized.
Among the targeted groups is the Gran Griff gang, led by Elan Luckson, a figure responsible for a recent deadly attack in Pont-Sonde, which left 115 people dead. Luckson narrowly escaped during recent operations, but authorities remain determined to capture him.
According to Commander Otunge, the gang’s efforts to resist were ultimately ineffective, as MSS and HNP forces succeeded in breaching their strongholds. Local residents, who have endured extensive violence from these gangs, are reportedly supportive of the police action and eager to see justice served.
The brutal attack that triggered Kenya’s recent response prompted the Kenyan government to deploy an additional 600 troops to Haiti. MSS and HNP teams faced challenges in accessing gang hideouts, particularly at the Carrefour Paye crossroads near Luckson’s residence, where they encountered trenches filled with obstacles. Civilians joined the police efforts by filling and loading sandbags to cover these trenches, allowing officers to push through and conduct successful raids.
In a recent operation in the village of Pat Chwal, within the municipality of Saint-Marc, MSS forces recovered various weapons and tactical gear. Items seized included a 12-gauge Mossberg rifle, a fake pistol, four mobile phones, two bulletproof vests belonging to the Haitian National Police, and binoculars. This equipment was believed to be part of the gangs’ arsenal used to terrorize communities.
Commander Otunge expressed his gratitude to local civilians who came forward to support the mission, particularly in assisting with sandbagging efforts. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the residents who turned up in large numbers to help us fill and load sandbags. Their contributions were crucial in overcoming the obstacles gangs had set up to impede access to their hideouts,” he remarked.
The Kenyan and Haitian forces’ collaborative operations underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex security challenges like gang violence. This partnership, which now includes increased Kenyan troop deployment, highlights Kenya’s commitment to supporting Haiti in its battle against crime and its bid for stability.
These ongoing efforts mark a positive step toward restoring peace in Haiti, offering a hopeful outlook for the region’s future. As operations progress, the MSS and HNP continue their mission to provide a safer environment for Haitian communities affected by gang violence. With the commitment from both local and foreign support, there is growing optimism for lasting peace and stability in the region.
RELATED:
