The United Nations has launched a series of training sessions for Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti to combat gangs that have been terrorizing the local population.
Human Rights Compliance Framework
The UN Human Rights office took the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission team through a comprehensive compliance framework. This framework aims to integrate human rights and international humanitarian law principles into the planning, conduct, and evaluation of security operations. During the August 1 event in Port-au-Prince, the officers were also educated on international standards and good practices regarding the use of force, specifically in relation to their mission in Haiti.
Increasing Confrontation from Gangs
The training sessions came at a critical time as the officers were informed that gangs are becoming increasingly confrontational. This escalation follows a series of successful operations where the police have reclaimed areas previously controlled by the gangs.
On July 30, a Kenyan police officer in Haiti was shot and wounded during a confrontation with gangs in Port-au-Prince. The incident occurred while a patrol team was on duty along the National Hospital-APN Sea Port road. They encountered a lorry being attacked and looted by suspected gangsters.
Details of the Confrontation
Godfrey Otunge, head of the mission, recounted the event: “The patrol team immediately engaged the gangs after they started shooting at them.” Unfortunately, one Kenyan contingent member sustained a gunshot injury to the shoulder and was evacuated to Life Support Area Hospital for treatment.
The gangs, suffering serious injuries, managed to escape into the surrounding buildings.
Gunfire During PM’s Visit
The day before this incident, the team and their local counterparts were involved in another gunfire exchange as Prime Minister Garry Conille visited a hospital in Port-au-Prince on July 29. Otunge and Normil Rameau, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (HNP), confirmed no injuries were reported during the incident.
They assured that the hospital remains under the control of HNP and MSS.
Stabilizing Haiti
Kenyan police are in Haiti to assist local authorities in stabilizing the country, where gangs had almost overrun the capital. Their responsibilities include securing the port, the main airport, the presidential palace, main hospitals, and key highways. Otunge emphasized that the MSS, in partnership with the HNP, continues to conduct daily operations to stabilize Haiti and reclaim critical facilities currently under gang control. The Kenyan team has also been training local police officers on various combat operations.
International Support
Apart from Kenya, several other countries have pledged to send officers to support the mission in Haiti, including Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Algeria, Canada, and France. The efforts of the Kenyan police and their international partners highlight the global commitment to restoring peace and stability in Haiti.