Officers from the National Police Service of Kenya, part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, have officially transferred control of the Third Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Guatemalan troops involved in the peace mission.
The FOB, which was originally established to secure the coastline and surrounding areas, had been severely damaged due to years of gang attacks and vandalism. Constructed with assistance from the Canadian and American governments, the facility had fallen into disrepair before being renovated with funding from the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Since its renovation, the FOB has become a key asset in the fight against gang activity in the region. According to Chief Inspector of Police Nixon Onsarigo, who shared his experience in a video posted by President William Ruto, the facility’s condition was “dire” when they first arrived. The initial mission of the Kenyan officers was to secure the area and assist with the rebuilding of the facility.
“Renovation and refurbishment are ongoing for the IGPNH (Haitian National Police Headquarters), and my MSS troops are occupying the building,” said Commander of the MSS, Geoffrey Otunge. He noted that the area, previously deemed a “no-go zone,” has now been secured, leaving Haitians amazed at the turnaround.
The mission is a collaborative effort between several countries, with troops from Belize, Guatemala, Jamaica, The Bahamas, El Salvador, and Kenya working together to restore security in the region. Belizean Military Commander Claundio Quiroz confirmed that Kenyan forces have worked alongside Belizean and other international troops to ensure the region is stabilized.
On Saturday, the third group of 217 Kenyan officers arrived in Haiti, joining the 400 already stationed in Port-au-Prince, bringing the total number of foreign security personnel in Haiti to nearly 800.
The ongoing efforts by the MSS mission underscore the international community’s commitment to assisting Haiti in its fight against organized crime and restoring law and order.
