UN and Haitian officials mark one year since Kenyan police arrived to support security efforts
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Kenyan peacekeepers in uniform standing in formation beside Haitian officers during a commemorative ceremony in Port-au-Prince marking one year of the MSS mission.
One Year On: UN and Haitian Officials Reflect on Kenyan-Led Security Mission
Marking a Milestone in Haiti’s Security Effort
On Thursday, top Haitian and United Nations officials gathered in Port-au-Prince to mark one year since the arrival of the first contingent of Kenyan police officers under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. The ceremony served both as a commemoration and a reaffirmation of global commitment to help Haiti overcome its spiraling gang violence and insecurity.
The MSS, which is backed by the United Nations, includes approximately 800 Kenyan police officers. They work alongside forces from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador in supporting Haiti’s struggling national police.
A Mission Backed by Hope and Sacrifice
María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), highlighted the essential role of the MSS in Haiti’s ongoing security crisis.
“The MSS plays a critical role in supporting the Haitian National Police by helping to plan and carry out joint operations against gangs,” she said. “Its purpose is not just tactical but transformational—aimed at improving long-term security conditions.”
Force Commander Godfrey Otunge led the commemoration with a solemn moment of silence for Haitian and Kenyan officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. “We understand that the road to lasting peace is neither quick nor easy,” Otunge said. “But with international collaboration and Haitian resilience, we can replace conflict with calm.”
Facing Harsh Realities on the Ground
Despite the momentum, the MSS faces daunting challenges. Armed gangs currently control around 85% of Port-au-Prince, with growing influence across the country. Haitian authorities remain outgunned and under-resourced, relying heavily on MSS support to maintain order in key areas.
Compounding the situation is the inconsistent flow of international funding. Though committed in principle, many donor nations have been slow to release critical financial and logistical support.
Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department approved waivers for $40.7 million in foreign assistance, earmarked for operational bases, medical supplies, and vehicle maintenance for both MSS forces and Haitian police. While helpful, these funds represent only a portion of what is needed to fully stabilize the situation.
A Fragile Yet Vital Mission
This marks the fourth major international intervention in Haiti since the 1990s, each sparked by political or security collapse. What sets the MSS apart, however, is its attempt to create a longer-term partnership rather than a short-lived occupation.
Unlike past efforts, the MSS focuses on capacity-building—training Haitian police, involving local authorities in planning, and attempting to restore trust between citizens and security institutions.
For many Haitians, the mission represents a fragile but necessary hope: the potential to regain control over their communities and rebuild normal life in neighborhoods long dominated by violence.
Local Sentiment: Mixed but Watchful
Public opinion in Haiti remains cautious. While some see the MSS as a positive step toward peace, others remain skeptical due to the checkered history of foreign interventions. Many Haitians are still recovering from the legacy of the last UN mission (MINUSTAH), which was marred by allegations of abuse and the spread of cholera.
Nevertheless, the presence of African-led support from Kenya and other nations has inspired cautious optimism. Haitians who feel abandoned by their government or overwhelmed by gangs are watching closely, hoping that this mission finally makes a lasting impact.
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