The fierce battle
Kenyan police, part of a UN-backed security mission in Haiti, engaged in a fierce battle with gangs over the weekend to free Gauthier town. It is located near the Dominican Republic border. Also collaborating with the Haiti National Police, they confronted the notorious 400 Mawozo gang on Saturday night. The gang attacked as the officers attempted to control Road Two, a key route blocked by the gang to prevent access to Gauthier.
A UN report from early 2024 indicated that Haitian gangs have been procuring arms via the Dominican Republic’s Port of Haina. The Kenyan officers also aimed to disrupt this arms supply route as part of the Multinational Security System Support (MSS) Mission.
MSS General Commander Godfrey Otunge reported that the intense gunfight lasted for hours. “Victory was hard-won. As officers faced staunch resistance from the entrenched gang members,” he said. Noting that the gang had also taken over the local police station as their base. Photos reveal extensive damage to the station, with collapsed walls and sections burnt.
The 400 Mawozo gang, a major criminal network in Haiti, controls areas including Ganthier, Tabarre, and Pétion-Ville. The gang comprises deportees, former opposition leaders, ex-smugglers, and former police officers. During the clash, gang members threw petrol bombs at the Kenyan officers, damaging a US-donated armored vehicle. This was the second armed encounter between Kenyan and Haitian officers and the gangs, the first occurring on July 17 at the Autorité Portuaire Nationale Port. This week, the MSS team cleared Road Two, blocked by large containers. Videos show officers also using a tractor to remove the obstructions, and a residence in Gauthier burnt during the clashes.
International Support
Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, Andre Francois Giroux, met with Otunge, expressing Canada’s support for the mission. Canada and Jamaica are set to send teams to join the Kenyan mission, with other countries pledging support. The Kenyan-led mission also aims to uphold human rights and international law.
Also read:
Police Officers leave for Haiti-Kenyan 2nd group
Derna floods negligent officials finally go to jail: Libya
Israel’s war on Gaza live: Deadly attacks on Deir el-Balah, Golan.