The government through the Ministry of Interior has issued an update on the progress of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS).
In a statement on Sunday, January 19, 2025, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the mission had made a lot of progress in achieving its mandate.
Murkomen spoke moments after 217 officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit and a special team comprising of medical personnel, mechanics, and communications team landed in the Caribbean country to back up their colleagues.
The team joined the first contingent of 400 officers which arrived in Haiti in June 2024.
“The deployment of NPS Officers follows the UNSC Resolution 2699, 2023, which authorized a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti with Kenya as the lead country to support the efforts of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to re-establish security and stability in the Caribbean nation,” Murkomen stated.
Haiti mission achievements
Murkomen stated that the MSS and HNP teams have jointly accelerated efforts to ensure a reduction in crime and violence and promote a more secure environment.
“The reopening of schools and colleges on the 2nd October 2024 and the subsequent reopening of courts on the 7th October 2024 is a testament to the improved security conditions, despite the ongoing threat by gangs,” Murkomen stated.
“Civilian protection focus has ensured increased seizure of harmful exposure like drug, arms, and ammunition by the police and are an indication of efforts to cut off the major funding sources for gangs.”
The government says that MSS, in liaison with HNP, has conducted education on responsible and lawful behavior through community engagement forums to foster a more cooperative environment between security agencies and the civilian population.
“MSS, in conjunction with HNP, has prioritized the protection of children and educational institutions. Sensitization and outreach programs to discourage gang affiliation have been consistently carried out, ensuring children’s safety and promoting educational continuity,” he added.
Murkomen say MSS is also helping establish a police school with a four-month fast–truck basic training of 747 cadets which began on August 27, 2024, and whose trainees successfully graduated on January 10, 2025.
Murkomen says major gangs such as Delmas 6 Gang led by Jimmy Cherizier, Kraze Barye led by Vitel Homme Innocent and Gran Griff gang led by Elan Luckson have been destabilised.
“It is a sobering perspective that Peace Keeping calls on our collective empathy for fellow human beings and it is our prayer that as a continent we will discover a system in which peace is more rewarding than war. When we are talking about human dignity, that should be without borders,” he added.
“We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our officers and their families for the sacrifices they have made for humanity and peace. We are confident that the National Police Service track record of excellence in international policing, contribution to peace support operations will only get better.”
Murkomen says the government is ready to deploy more officers from various units within the service including GSU, Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and the all- female Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).
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