On Friday January 5, 2024, a report from the International Crisis Group (ICG), based in Belgium, warned the Government of President William Ruto that Kenyan police officers risk facing significant operational challenges if they were deployed in Haiti such as links between corrupt police officers, politicians and gangs which could make it difficult to maintain operational secrecy; a shifting gang allegiances that create the possibility of a united front against it; he difficulties of protecting civilians in urban warfare..

While Ruto has already committed to the international community that Kenya will bring peace to gang-infested Haiti, ICG is concerned about whether the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) will be sufficiently well equipped to handle such a situation.

The ICG further noted in its report that the gangs, numbering more than 300, had already taken control of 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince Asked by the International Organization an expert asks "Where are the prison facilities to put thousands of gang members ?" While the prison system in Haiti is already extremely overcrowded... "What

structures are in place to reintegrate these young people into society ?" So many questions, today without answers...

Should be noted that Kenya is expected to benefit from the support of troops from other countries who have confirmed their participation in the MMSS. For the moment these are : Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Senegal, Belize, Suriname, Guatemala, Peru, Chad and Burundi. The desired total strength is at least 5,000 men.

Download the full ICG report (PDF in English , 24 pages): https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/b094-haiti-gangs-(1).pdf

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41365-haiti-kenya-news-about-the-multinational-security-support-mission.html

SL/ HaitiLibre