Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti Amid Increasing Gang Violence and Security Crisis
A Kenyan officer was killed in Haiti during a gang ambush as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the Caribbean to address security concerns. The officer’s death follows escalating gang violence impacting over 80% of Port-au-Prince, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis with significant displacement and food insecurity. Rubio aims to strengthen regional cooperation against these challenges.
A Kenyan police officer has been killed in Haiti following a gang ambush, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s tour of the Caribbean, where he aims to address the ongoing security crisis in Haiti. The officer, identified as Bénédict Kabiru, was initially reported missing when suspected gang members attacked two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Pont-Sondé on Tuesday, as reported by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
The Presidential Transitional Council of Haiti confirmed the death, honoring Officer Kabiru’s dedication to combating insecurity alongside Haitian forces. His sacrifice exemplifies the perilous conditions faced by international security personnel in their efforts to restore stability in Haiti. The MSS and the Haitian National Police conducted search and rescue operations to recover the officer after the ambush.
The gang ambush occurred during a mission to retrieve an armored police vehicle that had become stuck, which MSS suspects may have been deliberately obstructed by gangs. As an attempt to fix the incapacitated MRAP vehicles was underway, gang members launched a surprise attack, resulting in the tragic death of Officer Kabiru. His passing is part of the ongoing losses experienced by Kenyan officers since the mission started in June, with another Kenyan officer also killed last month in a related operation.
The U.S. has played a crucial role in financially supporting the MSS, and Secretary Rubio’s current visit seeks to address the escalating security situation in Haiti. He is expected to meet with Fritz Jean, the president of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, to enhance regional collaboration in tackling these challenges. The deteriorating security climate is illustrated by estimates indicating that over 80% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is under gang control.
Violence has notably surged in the Artibonite region, where Saturday’s attack occurred, leading to widespread displacement and deepening humanitarian crises. The recent UN report detailed that approximately 70 individuals, including women and children, were massacred by the Gran Grif gang in the same locality. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted that the violence resulted in record levels of displacement, with nearly 23,000 individuals forced to flee within just one week in March. Furthermore, about 5.5 million people, representing nearly half of Haiti’s population, are facing severe food insecurity, one of the highest concentrations of hunger amidst global crises.
The situation in Haiti remains dire, with the recent death of Kenyan police officer Bénédict Kabiru underscoring the severe risks faced by security forces in combatting rampant gang violence. Secretary Rubio’s visit to the Caribbean reflects the critical emphasis placed on addressing Haiti’s escalating security challenges. The increase in gang activities, particularly in Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite region, highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and humanitarian assistance amidst rising displacement and food insecurity.
Original Source: www.news8000.com
