The operation, led by Godfrey Otunge, head of the Kenyan peacekeeping force, aimed to dismantle gang control in key areas of Delmas.
Otunge reported that the combined efforts of the Kenyan and Haitian forces led to the successful capture of several gang members from groups such as "Chen Mechan" and "Pierre 6." The raid also saw the removal of barricades that gangs had set up to protect their hideouts.
A notable achievement was the dismantling of a double wall built by the “400 Mawazo” gang. This wall had been used to dominate an important street in Delmas, significantly impacting local mobility and safety.
During the raid, many gang members fled in panic as security forces intensified their actions. Otunge explained that this retreat allowed the team to regain control over vital areas, contributing to a more secure environment in the affected neighborhoods.
The operation comes in the wake of recent developments involving gang leaders reaching out for peace talks. Otunge revealed that some of these leaders had sent letters to the Haitian government requesting negotiations.
However, the response from Haitian officials was firm: they would not engage in talks with criminals. Prime Minister Garry Conille and Normil Rameau, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (HNP), have clearly stated their position: gangs must surrender, disarm, and face justice for their actions.
This raid is part of a broader international mission to stabilize Haiti, a country that has been grappling with gang violence for years. The Kenyan-led peacekeeping effort has been crucial in this context, with Kenyan officers working closely with Haitian police to address gang-related issues and restore order.
Just before this operation, additional support arrived in Port-au-Prince from the international community. A team consisting of 24 military and police officers from Jamaica and two military officers from Belize came to assist with mission planning and logistics. Their role is to support future security operations and contribute to the ongoing effort to stabilize Haiti.
The involvement of Kenyan forces in Haiti has drawn considerable attention. Their leadership in the international peacekeeping mission highlights Kenya's commitment to global stability and security.
The recent success in Delmas marks a significant step toward reducing gang violence and improving safety in Port-au-Prince.
The combined efforts of the Kenyan and Haitian forces are vital in this ongoing battle against gang violence, aiming to bring peace and security to areas that have long suffered from instability.
0 Comments