Kenyan commander Godfrey Otunge, leading the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSSM), has urged other participating nations to contribute police officers to the mission.
Speaking on August 28, 2024, during a meeting with a Canadian delegation, Otunge emphasized that increasing international participation would enhance the mission’s effectiveness and accelerate the restoration of peace in Haiti.
Otunge praised the Canadian government’s significant support, noting that their assistance had helped overcome numerous bureaucratic obstacles.
He urged other countries involved in MSSM to deploy their personnel, stressing the importance of a multinational effort to both bolster the mission’s global credibility and provide security for the Haitian people, who are hopeful for the mission’s success.
In his remarks, Otunge also addressed the issue of gang violence, asserting that the Kenyan troops have made considerable progress since the mission’s launch two months ago.
He warned gangs that the recent security operations would continue until their defeat.
This call for increased international involvement follows a reassurance from Kenya’s acting inspector general of police, Gilbert Masengeli.
On August 25, 2024, Masengeli confirmed that payments for Kenyan officers in Haiti would be made on time, addressing concerns raised by families of the troops about salary delays.
He assured that a new mechanism was in place to ensure timely payments, alleviating worries about the welfare of the MSSM officers.
Currently, Kenya has deployed 400 elite police officers to Haiti, though it had initially promised 1,000.
Other countries, including Nigeria, Chad, Burundi, Mauritius, Jamaica, and Chile, are expected to contribute personnel soon.
The MSSM aims to reach a total of 2,500 officers from various nations, including Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and the Bahamas.
The crisis in Haiti intensified earlier this year with the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who succeeded former President Jovenel Moïse, assassinated by suspected foreign agents.
