Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti While Fighting Gangs

A Kenyan police officer on a mission to combat gang violence in Haiti was killed during clashes. The officer was wounded during an operation in the Artibonite region, subsequently dying from injuries. His death is a major setback for efforts to control gangs in Haiti, which have surged following the assassination of President Moïse.

A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti to assist against violent gangs was killed during a confrontation with one such gang, according to Kenyan authorities. The incident occurred in Haiti’s western Artibonite region, where officers were responding to a request from local residents in Pont-Sonde. Despite being airlifted for medical assistance, the officer succumbed to his injuries, as stated by Godfrey Otunge, commander of the Kenyan forces in Haiti.

After the shooting, Kenyan officers undertook pursuit actions against the gang. Mission official Jack Ombaka expressed gratitude towards the hospital staff and Salvadoran forces for their support during this crisis. He emphasized the sacrifice of the officer, stating, “This is the price our courageous officer paid — he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. We salute our fallen hero.”

The death of the officer represents a significant setback for efforts aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti, which has escalated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Kenya has contributed hundreds of police officers to bolster the Haitian police force amid increasing violence. In February, an additional 200 officers from Kenya joined over 600 serving alongside Haiti’s National Police, forming part of an international coalition involving personnel from countries like Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The fatal shooting of the Kenyan police officer underscores the dangerous conditions faced by international forces attempting to restore order in Haiti. This incident highlights not only the perilous environment in which these officers operate but also the broader challenges of tackling gang violence in the country, particularly in the wake of political instability since 2021.

Original Source: apnews.com