April 21, 2025
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, accompanied by members of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Justice, the Secretary of State for Public Security, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the ambassadors of the United States and Canada, welcomed a new contingent of 300 Kenyan police officers at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. These reinforcements are part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, deployed to restore order and combat armed gangs terrorizing the population.
“The arrival of these reinforcements marks a crucial step in freeing our country from the grip of criminal networks and restoring peace,” declared Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. This deployment brings the total number of MSS personnel in Haiti to over 700, bolstering international efforts to support local security forces. Led by Kenya, the mission aims to protect civilians, reestablish state authority, and create an environment conducive to stability and development.
The Haitian government commended the commitment of the Kenyan troops while reaffirming its determination to strengthen national security capabilities. Haiti’s security crisis, marked by a surge in gang violence, kidnappings, and murders, has reached alarming levels in recent years. According to the United Nations, more than 2,500 murders were reported in 2024, with gangs controlling nearly 60% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Although still in its early stages, the MSS represents a beacon of hope for Haitians who have long called for robust intervention to end the insecurity. The Kenyan officers, known for their experience in peacekeeping operations in Africa, play a pivotal role in this mission. However, significant challenges remain, including the disarmament of gangs, rebuilding citizens’ trust in institutions, and ensuring a smooth transition once the mission concludes.
The Haitian government and its international partners remain steadfast in their commitment to creating an environment where every Haitian can live in peace and security. Authorities have announced a press conference to review the progress made and discuss the challenges ahead in this complex fight against insecurity.
