The Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) have denied fallout claims, saying they jointly conduct operations in the fight against gangs.
In a statement on Sunday December 8, 2024, MSS commander Godfrey Otunge said the two groups of police officers always plan and conduct operations jointly on the ground, according to the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission.
MSS is tasked with helping the Haitian National Police in the fight against gangs in Haiti.
“Furthermore, regarding the allegations that Kenyan police officers accuse their PNH counterparts of colluding with gangs, which sometimes weakens operations, the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support Mission wishes to categorically call upon the local population not to be intoxicated by this misinformation and manipulations that are only aimed to discredit the good work the two joint forces are doing to the advantage of the criminal gangs.”
“Equally important is to inform the local and international community that the Haitian National Police and the MSS teams work harmoniously, cooperate and coordinate very well as two professional teams to ensure that the Haitian people enjoy peace in the country,” Otunge said.
He added the propaganda that is being orchestrated will not divert the attention of the PNH and the MSS on the fight against gangs.
“The PNH and the MSS will continue to work together to ensure the security of the Haitian population while reiterating their determination to fight armed gangs to their last entrenchments,” he added.
This was after reports indicated there were bad working relationships among some officers on the ground.
Kenya has deployed about 400 officers since June 2024 to lead the MSS mission, which is meant to comprise around 2,500 personnel from other 10 countries.
However, just a few security personnel from other countries have arrived in Haiti, to help in restoring peace.
Several people have been killed due to gang violence across Haiti over the past two years and the situation has been worsening with time.
