Kenyan Police Officer Missing in Haiti After Gang Attack

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti after a gang ambush during a rescue operation. This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence against international forces in the country. The MSS Mission aims to combat gang control, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where gang-related violence has resulted in significant casualties and displacements this year.

A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. The incident occurred when the officer and his team were assisting the Haitian national police whose vehicle was stuck in a ditch. During the rescue attempt, gangs launched an attack on the force, leading to the officer’s disappearance. Specialized teams have since been mobilized to search for him.

The attack happened on Tuesday during a patrol mission in Pont-Sondé. Local media has suggested that the officer may have been killed, though this has not been confirmed yet. Historically, this is not the first incident involving Kenyan police officers in Haiti, as violence has increased significantly.

Last month, another officer, a 26-year-old police constable named Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was fatally wounded during operations in Ségur-Savien. His death marked the first casualty among the Kenyan contingent. Kenya has contributed over 600 police officers to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti to combat rampant gang violence.

Since June of last year, this mission aims to restore order in Haiti where gangs now control significant areas, including almost all of Port-au-Prince. The impact of gang-related violence has been catastrophic, with over 5,500 deaths reported in 2024 and more than one million people displaced from their homes due to conflict.

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The disappearance of the Kenyan police officer in Haiti highlights the severe risks faced by international forces in a country plagued by gang violence. With a history of assaults on police officers, including recent fatalities, the situation necessitates heightened security measures and international support to restore safety. The ongoing violence has led to immense humanitarian crises, with thousands killed and over a million displaced.

Original Source: www.bbc.com