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G7 countries affirm support for Kenya-led mission amid escalating gang violence in Haiti

G7 countries affirm support for Kenya-led mission amid escalating gang violence in Haiti
Kenyan police officers ahead of their deployment to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti on February 6, 2025. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X

The G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union expressed their support for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti.

In a statement shared by the Bureau of African Affairs on Sunday, March 16, 2025, the G7 countries noted that they were concerned about the escalating cases of gang-related violence in the Caribbean nation.

The world’s developed economies expressed worry that the gangs had an intention of seizing control of Haiti’s government.

“G7 members strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government,” the world developed economies said in their meeting convened on March 14, 2025.

Kenyan police officers ahead of their deployment to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti on February 6, 2025. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X
Kenyan police officers ahead of their deployment to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti on February 6, 2025. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X

Support for Kenya

Despite the escalating cases of gang activities, the G7 countries expressed their support for the Kenya-led mission. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union highlighted that the peacekeeping mission was key to restoring democracy and security in Haiti.

“They reaffirmed their commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security, and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN,” the statement added.

Police officers from Jamaica and Belize arrive in Haiti for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) on Thursday, September 12, 2024. PHOTO/@MSSMHaiti/X
Police officers from Jamaica and Belize arrive in Haiti for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) on Thursday, September 12, 2024. PHOTO/@MSSMHaiti/X

G7 countries further expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

Kenya has deployed close to 1,000 police officers to Haiti to help restore peace in the country facing violence perpetuated by gangs. The Kenya-led mission so far has managed to secure key areas, including a port and other cities, allowing normal activities to resume.

However, in the course of duty, one Kenyan officer was recently felled by the bullets of the enemy.

Situation in DRC

At the same time, the G7 countries weighed in on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern DRC which they said was resulting in violence, displacement, grave human rights violations, and international humanitarian law violations.

Flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Image used for representation purposes only. PHOTO/Pexels
Flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Image used for representation purposes only. PHOTO/Pexels

They reiterated their call for M23 and the Rwanda Defense Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. They urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

Further, G7 members unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan.

” They called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict,” their statement read in part.

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