The multinational mission led by Kenya, working alongside the Haiti National Police (HNP), has intensified its efforts to bring peace and stability to Haiti by launching extensive clearance operations in several critical areas.
According to a statement released by the National Police Service (NPS) on Monday, September 2, the mission is focused on rooting out gangs and returning normalcy to the affected regions.
“The Kenyan-led multinational Mission to Haiti (MSS), in collaboration with Haiti National Police (HNP), are conducting clearance operations in Delmas, Bel-Air, Solino, and their environs to weed out gangs and return normalcy,” the NPS statement read in part.
The operations are taking place across land, sea, and air, with a clear objective to open up roads and streets to allow the free movement of people and vehicles. NPS said the mission received a boost last week with the delivery of additional vehicles and equipment from the United States government, further strengthening its joint operations with Haitian forces.
MSS has urged gang members to lay down their weapons and surrender to the authorities. The MSS also called on the Haitian public, local authorities, and other stakeholders to maintain their support for the mission as it works to re-establish security and create conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections.
“The pacification operations will be conducted on sea, land, and air by clearing roads and streets to allow normal flow of people and vehicular movement. Meanwhile, MSS is calling upon gang members to down their weapons and surrender to the government,” NPS stated.
Adding;
“MSS remains steadfast and fully committed to its mandate as outlined in UNSC Resolution 2699 by working with the HNP to ensure a safe and secure Haiti.”
Haiti police not paid
The operation follows recent reports that salaries for officers stationed in Haiti had been delayed by over two months. However, the MSSM has assured that the payments will be processed this week.
“The process for the disbursement of salaries to the MSSM officers accounts has been finalized and it is expected that the same will soon be reflected in their individual bank accounts in the course of this week. Going forward, 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,” MSSM stated.
“The MSS officers remain committed, patriotic and focused on the success of the Mission as they believe and trust that their welfare issues are being addressed by the entire leadership ( Kenya, the Trust fund Advisory Board and the MSS).”
