Haïti PM Conille demands gangs surrender, promises PNH will restore law and order as Kenyan forces arrive

PORT-AU-PRINCE — In a city yearning for security, Prime Minister Garry Conille addressed the nation on June 25, urging the armed bandits to lay down their guns as the first Kenyan police officers touched down in Haïti’s capital to aid the National Police (PNH) in the United Nations Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. 

“We ask the bandits to lay down their guns and recognize the authority of the State before any other arrangements,” he declared, making clear that the government intends to restore its authority.

The Prime Minister’s appeal came during a joint press conference where he introduced the Kenyan delegation, led by Monica Juma, Kenya’s National Security Advisor. Conille described the arrival of the Kenyan forces as a potential turning point in the population’s struggle to reclaim stability from the grip of armed gangs. For a long time, these gangs have threatened the peace, homes, and livelihoods of the people of Haiti, and the presence of the MSS mission signifies a new phase in the fight to help the Haitian police to restore order and security.

Surrounded by the newly-appointed PNH Chief Rameau Normil and Kenyan Police officials, Conille firmly reassured that the government, in collaboration with the police, will begin planning operations aimed at restoring normalcy and security. He emphasized the critical need for public cooperation with the newly arrived UN-backed  Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

“The state must take responsibility. The state must reclaim its authority and affirm its control,” Conille said. 

“We will start working with the police to plan operations that will allow everyone to resume their activities, return home, and for merchants to go back to their businesses,” he detailed, offering a glimpse of hope for the resumption of everyday life.

Juma, standing next to Conille, echoed his plea for patience and unity while reinforcing her country’s commitment to the mission.

 “We ask the Haitian population to support this mission,” she urged, framing the deployment as a shared responsibility between the international forces and the local communities they engage to protect.

Conille did not disclose the exact number of arriving officers, estimated at 400 by Media in Nairobi,  the Kenyan capital, reporting on the mission arrival to Haïti on June 25. The Prime Minister remained cautiously optimistic, highlighting the financial constraints the mission faces. 

“For now, only $21 million is available for this multinational mission, whose total cost is estimated at $600 million,” he revealed, acknowledging the significant financial gap that must be bridged to sustain the MSS efforts.

In a firm response to inquiries about recent attempts for dialogue from former police turned gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known as Barbecue, Conille was unequivocal about the authorities plan to restore law and order in the country. He issued a call for vigilance, urging the population to stand firm alongside all institutions and authorities without wavering.

“We ask all Haitians eager to see concrete actions against gang members to be patient,” Conille said. He expressed hope that everything will eventually return to order.

“We are pleased with the deployment of this mission and call for collaboration from all sectors to restore peace and security in Haiti,” he said, underscoring the necessity for everyone in the community to support this international effort.

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