Kenyan police hand over key Haiti bases to Guatemalan peacekeepers
The newly renovated FOB has served as a vital strategic hub for improving response times and supporting key areas such as the National Port.
The Kenyan police officers deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti have officially handed over the Third Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Guatemalan troops, further strengthening the peacekeeping efforts in the Caribbean nation.
The base, located in the Delmas 2 area of Port-au-Prince, was established on November 28, 2024, with the primary goal of supporting the Haitian National Police (PNH) in building their Office of the Inspectorate General of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH).
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It was strategically positioned to help secure the coastline and surrounding areas, which have been severely affected by criminal activity.
The facility, originally built with the support of the Canadian and American governments, had been in poor condition for years due to repeated attacks and vandalism by gangs.
However, the FOB has since undergone major renovations, thanks to the assistance of the US Department of State's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
These repairs have transformed the facility into a critical resource in the fight against gangs in the region.
Vital strategic hub
The newly renovated FOB has served as a vital strategic hub for improving response times and supporting key areas, such as the National Port, the Delmas neighbourhood, and the coastline.
Chief Inspector of Police Nixon Onsarigo on Tuesday described the state of the area upon arrival, noting that it was in a deplorable condition.
"When we got to the area, it was in a bad shape," Onsarigo said. Their first priority was to secure the civilians and begin the renovation of the building.
Commander of the MSS mission, Geoffrey Otunge, shared further insights into the importance of the mission.
"When the building was secured, Haitians could hardly believe it was a no-go zone," Otunge stated.
During the operation, the Belize Military, under the leadership of Claundio Quiroz, significantly supported the Kenyan officers.
"We have collaborated with the Kenyan troops to secure the area," Quiroz stated, highlighting the international cooperation involved in the peace efforts.
The handover comes shortly after the arrival of the third contingent of 217 Kenyan officers in Haiti.
This brings the total number of Kenyan officers in the country to 617, alongside the existing 400 officers already stationed in Port-au-Prince.
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