Haiti International airport closed as gang violence surge

Date:

Photo/AP

Haiti’s international airport Port-au-Prince shut down Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in Port-Au-Prince as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

According to AP news,the violence erupted in Port-au-Prince on Monday with shot outs breaking out between police and gangs

This came as Haiti was preparing for leadership change. The fight came on the same day when the country new Interim Prime minister was set to take office

“The video showed heavily armed police officers taking cover as as gunshot rang out with civilians  quickly fleeing the area , in some other city in the neighborhood homes were set on fire.” AP new reported.

“Meanwhile the country airport Main was temporarily shut down gang attempted to seize control.” the associate press reported.

This all unfolded as Garry Conille was fired as Interim prime minister and Alix Didier Fils Aime a businessman was appointed as his replacement.

While the Multinational Security Support (MSS) led by Kenya has made some strides, the force is faced with some challenges which include funding, personnel and equipment to be able to completely free the country from the criminal gangs that control 85 per cent of Port-Au-Prince.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) extended last month the mandate of the force for another year following the lapse of the period.

There have been calls to have the mission transition into a UN peacekeeping mission.

Kenya is preparing to deploy the third batch of 600 officers this month to reinforce the operations to flush out the gangs.

At least 10 countries promised to send a total of about 2,900 troops to participate in the mission.

But only about 430 have deployed since the UN-authorised mission got underway in June, nearly 400 of them from Kenya.

Vincent Kiprop
Vincent Kiprop
The alchemist of literary works – a versatile and creative journalist with a keen interest in politics, sports, education, international affairs, and entertainment. He can be reached at [email protected]

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