Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti Amid Growing Security Crisis

A Kenyan police officer, Bénédict Kabiru, was killed in a gang ambush in Haiti as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited to discuss the worsening security crisis. The ambush highlights the challenges faced by the Multinational Security Support Mission, with a significant portion of Port-au-Prince under gang control and a humanitarian crisis unfolding.

A Kenyan police officer, Bénédict Kabiru, was tragically killed during a gang ambush in Haiti, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Caribbean tour aimed at addressing Haiti’s ongoing security crisis. The incident occurred in Pont-Sondé when gang members attacked two mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles, which were retrieving another armored vehicle that had become trapped in a ditch, allegedly dug by gangs.

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) confirmed the death and highlighted the officer’s bravery in supporting Haitian forces. In a statement, Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council honored his memory, stating, “This valiant police officer, engaged alongside Haitian forces to fight insecurity, made the ultimate sacrifice for a better future for our country. His bravery and commitment will never be forgotten.”

Following the attack, Kenyan authorities and the Haitian National Police executed a search and rescue operation. This incident marks a significant loss within the ongoing security mission, which began in June, and follows another Kenyan officer’s fatal injury last month.

Secretary Rubio’s visit to the Caribbean is primarily focused on Haiti’s escalating security concerns, with plans to meet Fritz Jean, the president of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, in Jamaica for discussions on regional cooperation to address the security challenges.

Currently, over 80% of Port-au-Prince is reportedly under gang control, with gangs increasingly encroaching into the countryside, particularly in the critical Artibonite region. A devastating massacre in October resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, further underscoring the dire situation.

The violence has displaced thousands of residents, significantly impacting humanitarian conditions in Haiti. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric indicated that nearly 23,000 people were displaced in a single week, with the country facing severe food insecurity affecting 5.5 million individuals, representing one of the highest proportions in global humanitarian crises.

The situation in Haiti remains critical following the death of Kenyan officer Bénédict Kabiru amidst gang violence. With a substantial portion of the populace facing hunger and displacement, the security mission by the MSS and ongoing discussions led by U.S. officials exemplify concerted efforts to address the grave realities facing the nation. Continued support and cooperation are essential to alleviating the humanitarian crisis and restoring stability to the region.

Original Source: www.news8000.com