Kenyan Police Officer Missing After Gang Ambush in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti following an ambush by gangs while aiding the Haitian national police. This incident highlights the ongoing violence, as Haiti faces serious gang-related issues, resulting in over 5,500 deaths in 2024 alone. The Kenyan contingent, part of a mission deployed to restore order, has already experienced casualties.

A Kenyan police officer on a mission in Haiti has gone missing following an ambush by gangs while assisting the Haitian national police. The officer was part of a team aiding a vehicle that had become immobilized in a ditch when the incident occurred. According to the statement issued by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti, as rescue efforts unfolded, armed gang members launched an attack on the operation.

The ambush took place on Tuesday during a patrol in the town of Pont-Sondé. In response to the situation, specialized recovery teams have been dispatched to locate the missing officer, though no confirmation regarding the officer’s fate has been provided as of yet. Local reports speculate that the officer may have been killed in the ambush, but this remains unverified.

This incident is not an isolated event; it follows the fatal attack last month on 26-year-old police constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, marking a tragic loss for the Kenyan contingent. The security mission commenced in June 2022, with over 600 Kenyan police officers deployed to combat worsening gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince and surrounding rural areas.

In 2024 alone, Haiti has seen more than 5,500 deaths attributed to gang-related violence, and over one million people have been displaced due to the escalating unrest. The Kenyan police deployment aims to restore order in the troubled nation as gangs have increasingly gained control over significant regions.

The recent ambush resulting in the disappearance of a Kenyan police officer underscores the perilous conditions faced by international forces in Haiti. This incident highlights ongoing challenges as the Kenyan police continue to combat rampant gang violence since their deployment, which has already seen tragic losses. The situation in Haiti remains critical, prompting urgent efforts to stabilize security and protect both residents and international personnel.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk