The agency overseeing the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti has announced that Kenyan police officers deployed in the Caribbean nation will soon receive their overdue salaries.
This follows complaints from the officers, who have yet to be paid under the UN-backed operation, despite arriving in Haiti two months ago to assist in stabilizing the country amid gang violence.
The initial group of Kenyan officers arrived in Haiti on June 25, with a second team landing on July 16.
Since their arrival, both the officers and their families back in Kenya have reported delays in salary payments.
However, more than 400 officers currently on the mission have been receiving their regular salaries from Kenya.
According to officials, each officer is entitled to an additional Sh100,000 per month on top of their Kenyan police salaries.
The Multinational Security Support Mission confirmed on Monday that the payment process has been completed, and officers should expect the funds to appear in their accounts within the week.
The mission also assured that a robust system is now in place to ensure timely payments in the future.
The MSSM operates under the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy and the Trust Fund, which is supported by voluntary contributions from donor countries.
To date, numerous nations, including the United States, have contributed to this fund.
In recent developments, the Haitian National Police (HNP) have benefited from new equipment deliveries.
The French government has provided 24 armored personnel carriers (APCs) with turrets, while the U.S. Department of Defense has delivered two MaxxPros with turrets, with more expected soon.
These additions enhance the mission’s capabilities in combating gang violence.
MSSM Force Commander Godfrey Otunge has urged the gangs to cease their activities, emphasizing that joint operations and training between Kenyan special forces and the Haitian SWAT team are strengthening their effectiveness.
The ongoing support from France and the U.S., along with anticipated contributions from other countries such as the Bahamas and Jamaica, underscores a collaborative effort to stabilize Haiti.
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