The Kenyan commander in Haiti Godfrey Otunge has called on other nations under the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSSM) to avail their police officers to aid in restoring order in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, during a meeting with a Canadian delegation, Otunge observed that the inclusion of the other countries would give MSSM an international outlook and expedite the restoration of peace.

“Otunge, on his part, hailed the support that the Canadian government was offering to the MSSM, acknowledging that many red tapes had been cut through the assistance of Canada. He called upon the other contributing countries to deploy their personnel for the mission, not only to have a multinational look but also to secure the Haitians, who have high hopes for the mission’s success,” a statement by MSSM confirmed.

In his statement, Otunge put the gangs on notice even as it emerged that the Kenyan troops had achieved great strides just two months into the mission targeted to restore order to the Caribbean nation.

“He reiterated his zeal to confront the gangs, putting them on notice that the targeted security operations that were initiated yesterday will continue for as long as it takes until the gangs are defeated,” the statement added.

Haiti mission salaries

This comes after Kenya’s acting inspector general of police Gilbert Masengeli on August 25, 2024, assured the officers in Haiti of receiving their dues on time.

This was in response to a local publication which reported that the family members of the Kenyan troops in Haiti were lamenting salary delays by the MSSM.

“Going forward, an elaborate mechanism has been put in place where payments will be promptly done at the end of the month. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about welfare issues of the MSS officers since mainstream processes have been finalized,” MSS said in a statement on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

While Kenya currently has 400 troops of elite police officers in Haiti against its promise of 1000, other countries like Nigeria, Chad, Burundi, Mauritius, Jamaica and Chile are expected to have a presence soon.

Additionally, the MSSM seeks to hit 2,500 officers in the country drawn from Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Bahamas.

The crisis in Haiti escalated at the start of the year when embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign. Henry had held the leadership of the nation after former President Jovenel Moise was eliminated by suspected foreign hitmen at his official residence.