Officers from the National Police Service, part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, have transferred control of the Third Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Guatemalan troops involved in the peace mission.

The base was established to secure the coastline and nearby areas.

The facility was constructed with assistance from the Canadian and American governments but had fallen into significant wreckage due to years of gang attacks and vandalism.

It has since been extensively renovated with funding from the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The FOB has since played a vital role in combating gang activity in the region.

“The facility’s condition was dire when we first arrived,” said Chief Inspector of Police Nixon Onsarigo in a video shared by President Ruto.

Their initial task was to secure the area and aid in the renovation of the building.

Commander of the MSS, Geoffrey Otunge, noted that the IGPNH had previously been a “no-go zone,” and Haitians were astonished when the building was secured.

“Renovation and refurbishment are currently underway for the IGPNH, and my MSS troops are occupying the building,” he confirmed.

Belizean Military Commander Claundio Quiroz stated that they have worked alongside Kenyan forces to secure the region.

On Saturday, the third group of 217 Kenyan officers arrived in Haiti, joining the 400 already stationed in Port-au-Prince, bringing the total number of foreign security personnel to nearly 800.

This includes police and military officers from Jamaica, along with troops from The Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador.