Kenyan police deployed to Haiti expressed optimism in their mission following the graduation of 739 Haitian police officers, including 213 women, after a five-month training program. This milestone, celebrated with a passing-out parade on January 10, 2025, at the National Police Academy in Haiti, is seen as a significant step in combating armed gangs terrorizing local communities.
Multinational Security Support (MSS) Force Commander Godfrey Otunge called the graduation “a huge step forward” in the ongoing mission to restore security. The National Police Academy, once threatened by the Kraze Baryè gang, reopened in July 2024, thanks to efforts led by Haitian National Police Director General Normil Rameau and Commander Otunge. The academy also hosted the first MSS Forward Operating Base, enabling officer training to resume despite challenges.
The event, attended by high-ranking officials including Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Presidential Council, and international dignitaries from the U.S. and Canada, marked a moment of resilience. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier emphasized the government’s dedication to restoring security and creating conditions for a national referendum and elections.
Despite attempts by gangs to disrupt the ceremony, specialized units of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and MSS neutralized the threats, ensuring the event proceeded safely.
Reinforcements and Future Plans
The Kenyan-led UN-backed mission also received reinforcements from Guatemala and El Salvador. A contingent of 150 military police officers from Guatemala and eight Salvadorans arrived earlier in January to support operations.
The mission, which began with Kenya deploying nearly 400 police officers in 2024, has fallen short of its promised 1,000 officers. However, the forces have been joined by 24 Jamaican personnel and senior officers from Belize, forming the first wave of a planned 2,500-strong international force.
Plans are underway to establish new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Haiti’s most gang-affected regions and to train and retrain additional officers to strengthen police operations. The Kenyan contingent welcomed the appointment of former police boss Noor Gabow as Kenya’s Consul-General to Haiti, with Gabow expected to arrive by the end of January.
Current Challenges and Progress
Haiti remains under a state of emergency as violent gangs dominate large parts of Port-au-Prince. The mission, despite early struggles to curb violence, has received a boost from the graduation of new officers and the arrival of international reinforcements, signaling progress in the fight to restore law and order in the Caribbean nation.
