Ombaka highlights MSS success in reclaiming Haiti streets from gangs
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 18, 2025The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti has reported steady progress in restoring order and supporting the Haitian National Police.
In a video released on Thursday, September 18, 2025, mission spokesperson Jack Ombaka said the work of officers since June 2024 has helped unblock roads, secure key facilities, and give hope to communities once controlled by gangs.
Ombaka praised the officers for their resilience over the past year. He said they had worked in difficult and dangerous conditions but had stayed committed to their task.
“The general overview since we arrived here in June last year. I can say we made good progress and we are very proud of our officers who’ve gone out of their way to make sure that the Haitian population enjoy the deserved peace,” he said.
One of the mission’s key achievements has been unblocking roads that gangs had taken over. Ombaka also highlighted efforts to revitalise government buildings and ensure the Haitian police receive proper support. He noted that in 2024, the National Police Academy in Port-au-Prince trained about 730 recruits with the mission’s help. These officers are now serving in the field.
The spokesperson confirmed that the academy has started a new intake. MSS officers are guarding the area around the training facility to keep out threats from gangs.
“The training will start very soon and this is since we are involved with the Haitian National Police in terms of making sure that the area around the Academy is well guarded and they don’t get threats from outside,” Ombaka said.
Officers restore order amid tragedy
He added that areas once under gang control are now more secure, with renovations taking place and new forward operating bases set up. Journalists on the ground have seen roads opening and police regaining control of key sites.
“This is due to the resilience of the officers, especially from Kenya, who have gone out of their way to restore critical infrastructure,” he said.
The progress comes despite a series of tragedies. On August 31, 2025, a Kenyan officer died in a road accident in Port-au-Prince. Two civilians were also killed and eight other officers injured. Three of the injured remain in critical condition.
In earlier incidents, two officers were killed in a March ambush by armed gangs, while another died in June when a roadside bomb exploded.
Ombaka said the mission remains determined to continue its work.