Port-au-Prince, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 — A fifth contingent of 230 specialized police officers from the Republic of Kenya arrived in Haiti on Monday, December 8, as part of ongoing international efforts to strengthen security and intensify the fight against gang violence ravaging the country.
According to the Gang Suppression Force (FRG), the newly arrived personnel join the U.N.-authorized mission established under Security Council Resolution 2793 (2025).
The FRG described the deployment as a “decisive step” in its commitment to work closely with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and other institutions to dismantle armed groups.
“The newly deployed personnel have undergone rigorous training and are committed to respecting international human rights law and a strict code of conduct, in line with the FRG’s zero-tolerance policy on abuses.”
The force said in a statement. “They will also work in close coordination with Haitian authorities, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and the PNH.”
The force said in a statement. “They will also work in close coordination with Haitian authorities, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and the PNH.”
On its Facebook page, the FRG added that its “robust and targeted operations” have already led to the dismantling of several criminal organizations, contributing to “progressive advances” since the mission was authorized.
Persistent Insecurity Despite International Presence
Despite the growing foreign security footprint — including the arrival of the first 400 Kenyan officers in June 2024 under the previous Multinational Security Support Mission — violence continues to spread across the country.
In the Artibonite department, between January and September 2025, 24 armed attacks left at least 84 people dead and many more wounded.
On the evening of Saturday, November 29, 2025, the gang Gran Grif launched another attack on Pont-Sondé in Lower Artibonite. The provisional toll indicates a dozen dead and around 20 homes burned, echoing the massacre of October 3, 2024, when more than 70 residents were killed by the same group, despite the presence of international forces.
The consequences remain severe:
- Schools are struggling to operate,
- economic activity is paralyzed,
- and fear and mistrust permeate daily life.
Earlier on December 8, a group of 100 Kenyan officers who had completed their mission departed Haiti.
Welcoming the new contingent, Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), praised the outgoing officers, according to a statement from the Haitian presidency. He assured the remaining forces of “harmonious cooperation” with Haitian authorities, the Armed Forces, and the PNH.
“On behalf of the Council and the Haitian people, I express my gratitude to Kenya for its support in restoring security in Haiti.”
said Saint-Cyr, underscoring the importance of a strong partnership to meet public expectations and create conditions for elections that could lead to lasting stability.
He affirmed that the council and the government would take all necessary steps to support the mission.
Kenya Reaffirms Support for Haiti
Joseph Boinett, head of the Kenyan delegation, conveyed greetings from President William Ruto and affirmed that Kenya “will stand alongside the Haitian people to ensure peace and stability during this transition period.” He also thanked international partners for their continued support.
The commander of the multinational force, Godfrey Otunge, welcomed the reinforcements, saying their arrival at a “critical moment” will play a key role in consolidating progress. He also acknowledged the contributions of other participating nations, including Guatemala, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
The newly arrived officers — accompanied by the Kenyan delegation led by the country’s Deputy National Security Adviser, Joseph Boinett — were greeted on the tarmac by President Saint-Cyr, Lieutenant General Derby Guerrier, commander of the Haitian Armed Forces, Vladimir Paraison, director general of the PNH, and members of the diplomatic corps, including the ambassadors of Canada and France, as well as the Kenyan consul general in Haiti.
