Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti Amid Gang Violence Efforts

A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti to combat gang violence was killed during an operation. He was responding to a local plea for help when he was shot in the Artibonite region. The incident represents a significant challenge to ongoing efforts to manage Haiti’s gang crisis, exacerbated post the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

A Kenyan police officer, deployed to aid in combatting violent gangs in Haiti, was tragically killed during an operation in the Artibonite region. The incident occurred while the officer and his team responded to a resident’s plea for assistance in Pont-Sonde. Godfrey Otunge, commander of the Kenyan forces, confirmed that the officer was airlifted but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

Following the shooting, the Kenyan officers undertook a pursuit of the gang responsible for the attack. Jack Ombaka, a mission official, expressed gratitude towards hospital personnel and Salvadoran forces for their support after the incident. “This is the price our courageous officer paid — he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti,” Ombaka remarked, honoring the sacrifice made by the officer.

Details about the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death remain limited. It is known that the Gran Grif gang operates in the region where the shooting occurred. This incident represents a significant setback in efforts aimed at controlling the violence wrought by gangs in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Kenya has deployed hundreds of officers to assist the under-resourced Haitian police force. As part of a multinational effort, 200 additional Kenyan officers recently joined over 600 others already collaborating with Haiti’s National Police, alongside contributions from nations such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The tragic death of the Kenyan police officer underscores the dangers faced by those involved in international missions aimed at stabilizing Haiti amidst gang violence. This incident highlights the ongoing struggles of the Haitian police force and the crucial need for international support, particularly in light of the escalating violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The cooperation of multinational forces remains essential in addressing the security crisis in Haiti.

Original Source: suntci.com