Kenyan Officer Missing in Haiti Following Gang Violence Incident

A Kenyan police officer is missing after a gang attack in Haiti during a rescue mission for Haitian police. Local reports suggest the officer may have been killed, raising concerns over gang violence that has displaced over a million people in Haiti. The Kenya-led force is struggling with personnel shortages and funding issues amidst an increasing gang presence in the capital.

A Kenyan police officer stationed in Haiti has gone missing following a violent attack by gangs during a rescue mission, as reported by a U.N.-backed multinational security mission on Wednesday. The Kenyan officers were attempting to rescue Haitian police trapped in a ditch, reportedly excavated by gangs. In response to the situation, specialized teams have been mobilized to locate the missing officer.

Local media indicate that the missing officer may have been killed, with videos circulating on social media allegedly showing a deceased individual in a Kenyan police uniform. In recent years, gang violence in Haiti has resulted in over one million individuals being displaced, many forced into makeshift dwellings under dire conditions.

The Kenya-led security force, initiated last year, aims to combat gangs vying for control over Haiti’s capital. Initially, Kenya committed to sending 1,000 officers, and as of June, 800 have been deployed. Additionally, another officer who was killed by gangs in February received a burial last week in Kenya, prompting opposition leaders to call for improved equipment for mission personnel.

The security mission is facing personnel shortages, as gangs control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince and continue to expand their territory. Funding for the mission has been adversely affected following the U.S. freeze on assistance, which was part of former President Donald Trump’s broader funding cuts.

The ongoing turmoil in Haiti has led to the unfortunate disappearance of a Kenyan police officer amid rising gang violence. The Kenya-led mission, aimed at stabilizing the region, struggles with both personnel shortages and funding issues, making it increasingly difficult to maintain security in Port-au-Prince. This incident has prompted calls for better resources and support for the Kenyan officers deployed in such hazardous conditions.

Original Source: www.wral.com