Otunge's plea, made during a meeting with Brigadier General William Temple of the Florida Army National Guard and other military officials, emphasizes the need for helicopters to aid the mission in the troubled Caribbean nation.
Since Kenyan forces arrived in Haiti in June 2024, they have encountered numerous difficulties that hinder their effectiveness. Otunge highlighted that the mission, aimed at stabilizing Haiti and combating gang violence, is severely impacted by infrastructure problems. Many essential facilities have been overtaken by gangs, complicating efforts to restore order.
During the meeting with General Temple, Otunge stressed the importance of establishing Forward Operating Bases. These bases are crucial for securing areas that have been cleared of gang influence. However, he admitted that the mission is challenging due to inadequate infrastructure and the seizure of vital facilities by gangs.
The Kenyan team recently received some reinforcement with the arrival of 20 Jamaican soldiers and four police officers led by Colonel Kevron Henry on September 12.
This additional support is expected to enhance the multinational effort, as other countries are also preparing to contribute troops to the mission.
Despite these reinforcements, the Kenyan forces continue to face several obstacles. They are dealing with poorly armored vehicles and a lack of communication equipment, which affects their operational effectiveness. Additionally, delays in payments and bonuses have led to decreased morale among the troops.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti is critical due to the severe gang crisis that has left over five million people facing extreme hunger.
The situation has reached a critical point, and the addition of personnel from other contributing nations is anticipated to strengthen the mission’s efforts.
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