Kenyan Officer Missing in Haiti After Gang Attack During Rescue Mission

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti following a gang attack during a rescue mission. Reports suggest he may have been killed, with gang violence displacing over one million people in the region. The Kenyan-led security mission faces significant challenges, including personnel shortages and inadequate funding.

On Wednesday, the U.N.-backed multinational security mission reported that a Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti following a gang attack. The officer was part of a team dispatched to rescue Haitian police trapped in a ditch, which is believed to have been intentionally dug by gangs. “Specialized teams have been deployed” to search for the missing officer, as stated by the mission.

Local media in Haiti have reported the death of the officer, with graphic videos circulating on social media depicting a deceased individual in Kenyan attire. The ongoing gang violence in Haiti has resulted in the displacement of over one million individuals, with many residing in makeshift and unsanitary conditions after their homes were destroyed by armed groups.

The Kenyan-led force was established last year with the objective of combating gangs that are attempting to dominate Haiti’s capital. Kenya committed to sending 1,000 police officers, with 800 currently on the ground since June. Tragically, another Kenyan officer was killed in February during a gang-related incident, and his burial took place in Kenya the previous week, prompting opposition leaders to demand better equipment for the mission’s personnel.

The security mission has been hampered by a shortage of manpower, as gangs control 85% of Port-au-Prince, consistently expanding their territory. Additionally, the operation has faced financial challenges, particularly after the U.S. government, a key supporter of the initiative, suspended certain funding as part of budgetary restrictions enforced by the previous administration.

In summary, the situation in Haiti remains dire with increasing gang violence directly impacting the safety of international officers deployed to assist local police. The disappearance of a Kenyan officer amid ongoing attacks highlights the complexities of peacekeeping efforts in the region. The need for adequate resources and support for the mission is more pressing than ever, especially as gang control continues to escalate.

Original Source: www.newsday.com