Bahamas soldiers join Kenyan police in fighting Haiti gangs

Bahamas soldiers have joined Kenyan police officers in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to combat violent gangs.

A plane carrying the Bahamian officers arrived at Louverture Toussaint International Airport over the weekend, where they were received by MSS Deputy Force Commander Colonel Kevron Henry.

"Colonel Kevron welcomed the Bahamas contingent and expressed optimism about more countries contributing personnel to Haiti soon. He reiterated MSS’s commitment to ensuring the defeat of the gangs," read a statement from MSS.

Colonel Henry also highlighted that the mission was awaiting additional equipment and personnel from other nations to bolster their efforts.

This makes the Bahamas the third country to send personnel to the troubled nation, following Kenya and Jamaica in the mission being led by Kenyan Police Commander Godfrey Otunge.

Kenya, which is at the forefront of the MSS mission, has already deployed 400 officers to Haiti. President William Ruto announced that 600 more Kenyan officers will join the mission in November.

Among them will be the first female officers from Kenya's Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), currently undergoing training at the National Police College Embakasi "A" Campus. Officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) will also be part of the team.

President William Ruto greets members of the Kenya Police after he arrived in Haiti to review security assistance at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, September 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

In Haiti, Kenyan officers have conducted raids that resulted in the deaths of over 20 gang members within the past week. They also recovered dangerous firearms from the criminals. One of the major raids targeted the base of Vitel Homme Innocent, leader of the notorious Kraze Barye Gang. Although Innocent evaded capture, several of his gang members were killed.

Innocent is one of the FBI's ten most wanted fugitives and is wanted for various crimes, including conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and hostage-taking resulting in death. A reward of Sh258 million has been offered for information leading to his capture.

Haiti continues to struggle with violence as gangs with close ties to political and business leaders compete for control of territory. Last week, over 70 people were killed and hundreds were injured in a gang attack.

Several other nations, including Antigua, Barbuda, Italy, Spain, Mongolia, Senegal, Belize, Suriname, Guatemala, and Peru, are expected to send their forces to Haiti as part of the MSS mission.

Haiti's political situation has also been volatile. In February 2024, a surge in gang attacks forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, leading to the creation of a transitional presidential council.

The council appointed Dr. Conille as interim Prime Minister until elections can be held.