P-au-P, July 9, 2024 [AlterPresse] — While the Haitian authorities announce measures to effectively combat the gangs that are spreading terror in the country, the army of the neighboring Dominican Republic indicates that it has set up an imposing military force on the border to prevent any incursion of gangs from Haiti.
Dominican authorities announce the implementation of a series of measures and actions on the land border with Haiti to counter any threats to Dominican territory or national interests from Haitian gangs, according to the Dominican press, consulted by AlterPresse.
These provisions were adopted in response to the presence in Haiti of Kenyan troops from the Multinational Mission for Security Support (MMAS) to help the Haitian National Police (PNH) fight criminal gangs that terrorize the Haitian population, we read in the online media Acento.
Dominican military authorities have incorporated cutting-edge equipment and technologies to improve operational tasks in the border area, Acento reveals.
In addition, the troop accommodation capacities have been expanded. This facilitates a greater presence of Dominican soldiers in the area and contributes to the prevention of possible crimes along the border.
The military also mentions the expansion of video surveillance systems and the incorporation of thermal vision drones.
These facilities would allow the monitoring of vehicles and people as well as weather conditions, through real-time monitoring, from the command and control center of the military institution, the source reports.
In recent weeks, there has been an increase in the deployment of aircraft and armored vehicles on the Dominican border, as well as in the mobility of troops and equipment, following the recent expansion of the army’s vehicle fleet.
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Untenable climate of terror in Haiti, despite the presence of a first Kenyan contingent of the MMAS
In Haiti, the security situation remains untenable due to violence caused by gangs that thrive on instability and poverty, wrote the US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, on his X account on Tuesday, July 9.
More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in the first three months of 2024 in the country, he recalled, at a time when some gang leaders are suggesting on social networks that they would be in favor of dialogue, with a view to restoring peace.
The MMAS “will work to stabilize the security situation and allow Haitians to access food, health care, employment and education,” he emphasizes.
Via the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince, various military equipment and materials arrived aboard a US Air Force cargo plane at Toussaint Louverture International Airport and were provided on Saturday, July 6, 2024, to the first contingent of the Kenyan police in Haiti to help in its fight against armed gangs.
These assets include several armored vehicles, weapons and other classified equipment, among others.
A first contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers from the multi-national force in Haiti arrived on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Port-au-Prince, aboard a Kenya Airways flight.
These Kenyan police officers are part of 1,000 police officers that Kenya will provide to the mission, authorized on Monday, October 2, 2023, by the United Nations, to help fight gangs in Haiti.
Armed gangs request dialogue
Since the arrival of the first Kenyan contingent in the country, armed groups claiming to be part of the “Viv ansanm” coalition, which were totally on the offensive, have begun to call on the transitional authorities to engage in dialogue.
Haitian-born international star Wyclef Jean, who wants to play a mediator role between armed gangs and the authorities, has reportedly canceled a trip to Haiti scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024, according to reports in several quarters.
The rapper’s trip was aimed at taking steps to promote a climate of peace in the country, which is still ravaged by violence from armed gangs.
Armed gangs have no choice but to lay down their arms and submit to state authority, Prime Minister Garry Conille warned again at a press conference on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
“A limited space (of time)” is granted to armed bandits, said the head of government, clarifying his statement of June 25, 2024, when he called on armed gangs to lay down their arms before any other provisions.
“Playtime is over!” declared the interim director general of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Rameau Normil, on July 8, 2024, as a warning to the gangs.
During a press briefing with Kenyan General Godfrey Otunge, head of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), he promised that the police will hunt down bandits throughout the country and that places occupied by gang members will be recovered. [emb gp apr 09/07/2024 11:45]
