144 Kenyan officers, Salvadoran helicopters, and U.S. support bolster Haiti security efforts

PORT-AU-PRINCE — A fourth contingent of 144 Kenyan police officers, including 120 men and 24 women, landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport on Thursday, Feb. 6 as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The mission also received three helicopters from El Salvador and a much-needed financial boost from the United States.

The deployment comes amid escalating gang violence in Kenscoff, where around 150 people were killed in late January, according to the human rights organization Fondasyon Je Klere (FJKL). The newly arrived officers bring Kenya’s total deployment in Haiti to 744, part of its 1,000-force pledge from 2023.

As usual, Haitian leaders, including president of the Transitional Presidential Council Leslie Voltaire, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, MSS leader Godfrey Otunge and foreign diplomats welcomed the Kenyan police officers.

With the new additions, the total number of MSS members has reached 1,003. The multinational force includes police and military officers from Kenya, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Although delayed, this increase in personnel provides additional strike power for a mission that has thus far struggled to intervene on multiple fronts targeted by gangs. 

Kenyan Interior Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who announced the reinforcements for the MSS, emphasized his country’s commitment to Haiti’s security.

“Kenya’s leadership in this noble mission, supported by the United Nations Trust Fund for Haiti, reaffirms our longstanding contribution to peacekeeping operations,” the Kenyan Interior Secretary said.

Otunge assured that the mission remains operational despite funding challenges, with ongoing reviews of CASEVAC and MEDEVAC helicopter operations from El Salvador.

U.S. clarifies aid stance, approves $40.7 million exemptions

After temporarily freezing $13 million in U.N.-managed aid, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti clarified via X that MSS assistance had not been fully suspended. The State Department approved $40.7 million in exemptions to support the PNH and MSS operations, covering logistics, vehicle maintenance, medical services and equipment transportation.

“The $15 million provided to the Special Purpose Fund represents less than 3% of total U.S. contributions to the MSS mission,” the embassy stated.

The U.S. confirmed recent deliveries of heavy armored equipment to strengthen the MSS and PNH’s capacity to combat gangs, which control 85% of the capital and continue to terrorize residents in Kenscoff, Carrefour and Artibonite.

Mission viability assured until September 2025

Kenya’s government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, stated that despite the U.S. funding freeze, $85 million of the $110.3 million pledged by international partners had already been contributed to the U.N. Fund, ensuring MSS operations until September 2025.

Claims that the freeze would compromise the mission are false and unfounded,” Mwaura said.

Kenya is also exploring efforts to transition the mission to full U.N. management while continuing its leadership role.

Kenscoff massacre exposes gang control

FJKL reported that approximately 150 people were killed during gang attacks in Kenscoff between Jan. 26 and Jan. 27. More than 100 houses were burned and around 3,500 residents displaced.

The foundation’s nine-page report highlighted the severe disruption of daily life, with schools closed and economic activities halted.

The interim municipal commission has taken security measures, but these have not been effective in pushing back the Viv Ansanm gang coalition.

Kenscoff, a hilly commune approximately 15 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince and a strategic commune since December 2024, has become a crucial route connecting Port-au-Prince to Haiti’s Great South after gangs disrupted traditional roadways.

The FJKL criticized the government and police for downplaying early warnings of the attack.

“The police made false promises and failed to take preventive measures,” the report said.

As Haiti continues to grapple with gang violence, the reinforcement of the MSS mission provides a glimmer of hope for residents desperate for security and stability.

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