During a joint press briefing this Monday, July 8 with the Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police, the head of the Multinational Mission for Security Support in Haiti Godfrey Otunga guaranteed that “there is no room for failure.” He committed to ensuring democratic elections in Haiti.
This is the first public speech by the head of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Godfrey Otunga renewed the commitment of Kenyan police officers to work for the recovery of the country’s situation.
“We have a job that we are determined to do,” said Kenyan officer Godfrey Otunga, who stressed that his colleagues intend “to achieve this by working closely with Haitian authorities and local and international partners dedicated to a new Haiti.”
Kenyans want to work for the success of the mission defined by the restoration of peace throughout the national territory. “There is no room for failure,” insists the commander who explains that the mandate of the mission is regulated by resolution 2699.
Kenya wants this mission to be successful to facilitate the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in the country. The multinational force intends to support the Haitian National Police and assist in operations aimed at attacking gangs to their strongholds.
After their arrival, the Kenyan officers are to be joined by police from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica. The force is expected to total 2,500 personnel.
Haiti with Prime Minister Ariel Henry had requested the sending of an international force to fight the gangs in 2022. The prayers were answered in 2023 when Resolution 2699 was adopted.
Since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse, the security situation in Haiti has worsened with gangs occupying 80% of the capital.
By: Daniel Zephyr
