Kenyan Officer Missing in Haiti Following Gang Attack During Rescue Operation

A Kenyan police officer is missing after a gang attack in Haiti while on a rescue mission. The attack highlights rising violence in the region, displacing many. The Kenyan-led force faces challenges, including inadequate resources, following the U.S. funding freeze.

A Kenyan police officer on a United Nations-backed mission in Haiti has reportedly gone missing following an attack from violent gangs while attempting to rescue Haitian police officers. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the Kenyan officers were ambushed on their way to aid their counterparts trapped in a ditch, which was believed to be specifically created by the gangs. Specialized teams have since been mobilized to locate the missing officer.

Local media outlets have circulated alarming reports suggesting that the officer may have been killed. Some have shared videos purportedly showing a deceased individual in Kenyan police attire on social media. The situation in Haiti has deteriorated dramatically with gang violence displacing over one million people, forcing many into temporary and unsanitary accommodations after their homes were destroyed.

The Kenyan-led security force, initiated last year, is primarily focused on combating the gangs attempting to take control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. Kenya had committed to deploying 1,000 officers to the region, with 800 currently stationed there. Recent incidents reflect the perilous conditions, such as the death of another Kenyan officer at the hands of gangs in February, who was honored in a funeral in Kenya last week.

Political opposition figures in Kenya have urged for improved equipment and resources for the officers engaged in the mission, as the force grapples with inadequate manpower. Gangs are currently dominating 85% of Port-au-Prince, exacerbating the plight of the security mission’s operations. Additionally, the mission’s funding has been negatively impacted due to the recent suspension of financial assistance from the United States, the primary donor to the initiative.

In summary, a Kenyan officer remains missing following a gang attack in Haiti, drawing attention to the escalating violence and instability in the region. The mission, which has been hampered by limited resources and significant gang control over Port-au-Prince, is under scrutiny as calls for better support and equipment arise. The tragic loss of life among officers highlights the dangers faced in efforts to restore order and assist local law enforcement in Haiti.

Original Source: www.newsday.com