The new arrivals were made up of 75 Guatemalans and eight Salvadorans, a communications officer for the mission said.

The president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, Leslie Voltaire, alongside Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and U.S. Ambassador Dennis Hankins, welcomed the troops at Port-au-Prince’s airport, Haiti’s interim government said in a post on social media.

“They have come to reinforce the Multinational Force in the fight against gangsters and guns in the country,” the government said. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo had in September pledged to send 150 military police, three months after initially pledging in a letter to the U.N. an unnumbered contingent alongside personal equipment.

El Salvador had in August promised 78 soldiers for medical evacuation operations as well as three helicopters – much needed by Haitian security forces contending with mountainous terrain and highways scattered with gang-controlled checkpoints.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has garnered broad popularity over a harsh crackdown on organized crime in his home country including the use of mass trials and construction of a “mega-jail”, has stated that he would be able to “fix” Haiti and that its gangs must be “obliterated.”

The mission is being led by Kenya, which deployed nearly 400 police in the middle of last year, far short of the 1,000 it had promised.

The police were later joined by 24 Jamaican personnel and two senior officers from Belize.

However, the mission has failed to prevent gangs from taking new territories and committing several massacres as violence dramatically escalated in the last months of 2024, causing thousands more people to flee their homes.

Haiti’s national police have meanwhile shed thousands of officers in recent years.

Some 10 countries have together pledged over 3,100 troops for Haiti, but few have so far deployed.
Kenya will send 600 more police officers to Haiti to bolster an international anti-gang mission.

The plan has been derailed by the closure of the main airport there over the gang violence. 
At least 10 countries have promised to send a total of about 2,900 troops to participate in the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS).
But only about 430 have deployed since the U.N.-authorised mission got underway in June, nearly 400 of them from Kenya.

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Many others injured were injured in Tuesday’s attack in the General Hospital in the capital Port-au-Prince.

Pictures posted online appear to show several people injured or dead inside the building.

The site had been recaptured by Haiti’s government in July, after being occupied and destroyed by violent gangs that control much of the city.

Journalists were waiting for the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema when the shooting began.

Reports say two journalists and a police officer were shot dead.

“It felt like a terrible movie,” Dieugo André, a photojournalist who witnessed the violence, was quoted as saying by The Haitian Times.

“I have the blood of several injured journalists on my clothes.”

The attack is reported to have been carried out by members of the Viv Ansanm gang.

In a video statement, the head of Haiti’s presidential transitional council, Leslie Voltaire, said: “We express our sympathy to all the victims’ families, in particularly to the Haiti National Police and all the journalists’ associations.

“We guarantee them that this act will not remain without consequences.”

The people of Haiti continue to suffer with unbearable levels of gang violence, despite the installation of a new transition government in April and the deployment of an international force led by Kenyan police officers six months ago.

Haiti has been engulfed in a wave of gang violence since the assassination in 2021 of the then-president, Jovenel Moïse.

An estimated 85% of Port-au-Prince is still under gang control.

The UN says that as many as 5,000 people have been killed in violence in Haiti this year alone, and the country is now on the verge of collapse.

By BBC News

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Gang violence in Haiti has severely impacted critical sectors, including healthcare.
Officials under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) say government health facilities have become targets, as gangs recognize their essential role in the daily lives of Haitians.
Among the most affected is maternal healthcare, where pregnant women have faced significant challenges due to disrupted services.

In an effort to improve the healthcare system, the Haitian government has renovated several health facilities. Supporting this initiative, the MSS community engagement platform organized a blood donation drive on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at its LSA 1 base.
Over 100 police officers participated, donating blood through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Juvénat (RCJu) and other stakeholders.

This blood drive served as a prelude to the Children’s Christmas Fanfare that was scheduled for Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Karibe Hotel.
The event hosted more than 300 vulnerable children from disadvantaged neighborhoods and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Port-au-Prince.

During this festive period, the initiative aims to provide these children with a day of joy, leisure, healthcare services, medication, and treated mosquito nets, all free of charge.
The event was a collaborative effort involving the Rotary Club of Juvénat, national and international organizations, and the DDR-CVR section of UN.

The Community Police (PC/Edupol) of the Haitian National Police, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, and KPTSLet Sant Kiltirèl Nago (SKN) were key partners in organizing this second annual Children’s Christmas Fanfare, building on the success of last year’s event.

Kenyan cops are in Haiti to help contain gangs that are controlling more than 80 percent of Port-au-Prince.
Kenya will send 600 more police officers to Haiti to bolster an international anti-gang mission.
The plan has been derailed by the closure of the main airport there over the gang violence. 
At least 10 countries have promised to send a total of about 2,900 troops to participate in the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS).

But only about 430 have deployed since the U.N.-authorised mission got underway in June, nearly 400 of them from Kenya.

The UN-authorised mission that is led by Kenya faces a funding inadequacy as member states who committed to contribute $ 84 million (Sh10.8 billion) have so far contributed $67 million (Sh8.6 billion).
This has delayed many plans on the ground.
The said contributions from member states have been made by through the UN Trust Fund for the MSS.

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MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge said the information disseminated is both inaccurate and malicious.

“The MSS categorically refutes these claims. Reuters News did not reach out to the MSS for clarification, and the information being disseminated is both inaccurate and malicious.”

“All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged,” said Otunge in a statement.

He said MSS officers remain highly motivated and fully committed to supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in conducting decisive operations aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability.

“The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people.”

Otunge was responding to reports that at least 20 officers had resigned over failure to pay them their allowances in time.

The reports claimed nearly 20 of the roughly 400 Kenyan police officers serving in Haiti on a UN-backed anti-gang force have submitted letters of resignation from the mission over the past two months because of pay delays and poor conditions, three officers told Reuters.

The officers have received no response to their letters and continue to serve on the MSS mission, said the three officers, who requested anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media according to Reuters.

But insiders said the reports were fake and that whoever fed the same to the media was out to push an agenda.

“You resign then go where? Who will take you back home?” asked one officer on the ground who dismissed the claims as fake news.

Kenya has deployed about 400 officers since June to lead the MSS, which is meant to comprise around 2,500 personnel from about 10 countries, but the force has been hobbled by funding and staffing shortfalls.

Only a handful of officers from the other countries have arrived in Haiti, and a pledge in October by Kenyan President William Ruto to send another 600 officers the following month did not materialise.

Gang violence that has killed thousands across Haiti over the past two years has worsened recently, with armed groups spreading last month into some of the last parts of the capital Port-au-Prince that were not already under their control.

The officers also said they did not have adequate ammunition to counter the gangs, who have stepped up attacks on Kenyan police positions.

The mission has faced morale issues nearly from the start.

The officers claimed they faced delays receiving their pay and shortages of equipment and manpower.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Thursday confirmed that the Kenyan police officers in Haiti have received their salaries up to the end of October this year.

The comments come amid reports of financial constraints facing the mission.

Kanja also commended the officers for leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission that seeks to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

He said the team had achieved much in their mission while working alongside those of Haiti.

“They are working well with their Haitian counterparts in dealing with crime and training sessions,” he said.

Reports had indicated that the officers had complained that they had yet to be renumerated despite leading the mission from June 25, 2024. Kenya is leading the mission to fight criminal gangs in the Caribbean nation.

The team on the ground said their operations salaries had yet to be paid.

“Our officers in Haiti have received their payment up to the end of October,” Kanja stated.

He said the money was remitted to the relevant accounts in New York for onward payments.

There have been murmurs among some officers there the money was yet to be paid. Each of the 400 officers receive a pay of US$1,400 monthly. This is in addition to their payment.

Since its launch, the mission has been facing financial challenges as several foreign nations are yet to honour their pledges.

The UN-backed mission receives funds voluntarily from donor countries through a trust fund. However, failure by donor countries to fulfill their promises has led to logistical challenges for the Kenyan officers in the Caribbean nation.

Additionally, reports from the Treasury revealed that Kenya spent over Sh2 billion for the mission while waiting to be reimbursed by the UN.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has provided the vast majority of the funding for the mission, and has been pushing to convert it into a UN peacekeeping force, which could shore up and diversify its funding.

However, China and Russia have voiced opposition to the plans.

Plans are to fly more personnel to Haiti by December 16 if and when the local airport is opened.

Gang violence in the Caribbean nation have disrupted many services including flights.

Kenya police landed in Haiti in June 2024 and have managed to liberate a number of places including the airport, port, hospital and main roads

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The comments come amid reports of financial constraints facing the mission.

Kanja also commended the officers for leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission that seeks to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

He said the team had achieved much in their mission while working alongside those of Haiti.

“They are working well with their Haitian counterparts in dealing with crime and training sessions,” he said.
Reports had indicated that the officers had complained that they had yet to be renumerated despite leading the mission from June 25, 2024. Kenya is leading the mission to fight criminal gangs in the Caribbean nation.

The team on the ground said their operations salaries had yet to be paid.

“Our officers in Haiti have received their payment up to the end of October,” Kanja stated.

He said the money was remitted to the relevant accounts in New York for onward payments.

There have been murmurs among some officers there the money was yet to be paid. Each of the 400 officers receive a pay of US$1,400 monthly. This is in addition to their payment.

Since its launch, the mission has been facing financial challenges as several foreign nations are yet to honour their pledges.

The UN-backed mission receives funds voluntarily from donor countries through a trust fund. However, failure by donor countries to fulfill their promises has led to logistical challenges for the Kenyan officers in the Caribbean nation.

Additionally, reports from the Treasury revealed that Kenya spent over Sh2 billion for the mission while waiting to be reimbursed by the UN.

“This money we are spending on behalf of the UN, we are the ones making the payment so the money comes from our exchequer because these are our officers,” Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said.

The fate of the mission now hangs in the balance, with critics questioning whether US President-elect Donald Trump would honour the Ksh.12 billion commitment.

Following his election victory, President Ruto called Trump to discuss the importance of the Haiti mission and possible areas of cooperation with his administration.

“I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and possible areas of cooperation with the US government on this important conflict resolution initiative,” Ruto said on November 9, 2024.

“We discussed areas of mutual interest that are of benefit to the citizens of our two countries, including trade and investment, security and good governance.

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The team under Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) said they arrested dozens of suspected criminals in the October 21 raid in PaP, at Artibonite and the wider Western departments.

MSS Force commander Godfrey Otunge said they will sustain the operation to pacify areas under the control of the gangs..

The heinous attack at Pont Sonde some weeks ago saw the immediate deployment of police officers drawn from MSS and HNP who have been conducting night and day patrols that culminated into Pont-Sonde operation on October 21 2024, officials said.

Otunge said the main objective of the security operation was to capture Elan Luckson – leader of Gran Griff gang who was behind the heinous attack of locals at Pont-Sonde where more than 115 people were killed.

“Despite the gangs frantic efforts to dig trenches, ditches and put barricades on the roads to impede access to their hideouts, the joint MSS and HNP resolute teams went for them and smocked them out of their hideouts where Luckson (the notorious gang leader) escaped by a whisker.”

“Dozens of gang members were arrested and are currently being grilled as locals bayed for their blood,” he said.

To access the gangs’ hideouts at Carrefour Paye intersection on the road that leads to the home of Elan Luckson, the dedicated team of MSS and HNP officers had to fill up the dug trenches with sand.

The joint security operation ended at “Pat Chwal”, a locality located in the municipality of Saint-Marc, where assorted weapons and materials that included HNP stores were recovered.

The team set up a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the area to enhance operations.

Kenya police alongside officials from Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica have deployed their troops to Haiti to help in fighting criminal gangs destabilizing the country.

Over 700,000 people in Haiti have fled their homes and over five million are going hungry – nearly half the population, according to the United Nations.

Last month, the U.N. Security Council unanimously authorised extending the MSS’s mandate by another year.

A U.S. push for a plan to turn it into a U.N. peacekeeping mission was dropped from the resolution due to opposition from Russia and China.

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Kenya leads MSS mission which is supposed to have 2900 personnel.

The plane carrying advance team of six Royal Bahamas Defence Forces ( RBDF) landed at Louverture Toussaint international airport on Friday October 18 and were received by local commanders.

Col. Kevron Henry, MSS Deputy Force Commander, and Julian Smith, the Bahamas Charge D’affaires  who was accompanied by senior members from the Bahamas Consulate office in Haiti welcomed them, officials said.

Senior PNH officers were also present to warmly welcome the Bahamas.

Col. Kevron expressed optimism of more contributing countries deploying to MSS soon.

He reiterated MSS commitment in ensuring that the gangs are defeated for the good people of Haiti to enjoy peace.

He thanked HNP for the good working relationship that has seen many areas pacified and promised that MSS shall sustain patrols and operations as they await for more equipment and personnel from different contributing countries.

Julian said the Bahamas was joining the bigger family of MSS, where they will provide operational support and build the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter gangs.

The advance team of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel has trained with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Joint Task Force (JTF), hence expected to synergize the MSS contingents from Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize already on the ground.

Subsequent deployments of the Bahamas will be done in the coming months, officials said.

The Bahamas have indicated that they will deploy a total of 150 RBDF.

The Bahamas are bringing in special expertise in Maritime Patrols, where they will be leading in conducting continuous and coordinated maritime patrols in Haitian territorial waters to deter and counter threats to maritime security.

They will also spearhead Port Security by ensuring the safety and functionality of strategic ports in Haiti, facilitating humanitarian aid, economic development, and political stability.

Additionally, the Bahamas will spearhead the prevention of Illegal Migration by implementing measures to prevent illegal migration, ensuring the safety of Haitian citizens and preventing human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys.

As a force multiplier to the MSS, the Bahamas will take lead in countering Illicit Trafficking by disrupting and deterring illicit trafficking activities, including narcotics, weapons, and contraband.

The RBDF, as a CARICOM counterpart, will collaborate closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners in enhancing maritime security and counter-trafficking efforts hence contribute to the overall security of the Caribbean region, preventing the destabilizing effects of illicit activities.

The Bahamas is the fourth country to deploy to MSSM with other contributing countries expected to do so by the end of this year to complete the current deployment phase. Locals hailed the arrival of the Bahamas but called upon the remaining countries to deploy promptly.

Over 700,000 people in Haiti have fled their homes and over five million are going hungry – nearly half the population, according to the United Nations.

Last month, the U.N. Security Council unanimously authorised extending the MSS’s mandate by another year.

A U.S. push for a plan to turn it into a U.N. peacekeeping mission was dropped from the resolution due to opposition from Russia and China.

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STATUS UPDATE ON THE HAITI MISSION

The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission team comprising the National Police Service Officers and the Haiti National Police (HNP) has continued to register success as they combat gang activities and restore security in Haiti. pic.twitter.com/7S5dlpKf0z

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) July 27, 2024

On July 26, 2024, Mr. Edgard Leblanc Fils, Head of the Haiti Presidential Transition Council, visited MSS Force Commander Mr. Godfrey Otunge (SAIG) at the MSS Headquarters and addressed the MSS team. Additionally, on July 19, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, also visited the MSS team. The National Police Service officers in Haiti remain committed to working closely with the HNP and the people of Haiti to restore law and order.

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These officers will be stationed at a base in Haiti’s capital, constructed by the U.S. government. This base will serve as the central operation point for their mission. The deployment had been delayed due to the prolonged completion of the base, which is now ready to accommodate the arriving officers.

Below are photos of the elite unit onboard the KQ flight:-

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