Three police officers from the Haiti National Police (HNP) have been reported injured during an operation against gangs in Bel-Air district and Solino.
The operation, led by Kenya’s Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti (MSSM) contingent and HNP saw the gangs driven out of Bel-Air district and Solino.
“The meticulously planned joint operations, directed by Normil Rameau, DG HNP, and Godfrey Otunge, MSSM Force Commander, commenced in the wee hours of the morning and saw targeted operational areas of Bel-Air district and Solino cordoned off before the operations.”
MSSM says that this was the first biggest targeted operation. According to commanders, gangsters who tried to stage resistance escaped through the narrow streets.
“Three HNP police, were slightly injured during the operation and are still receiving treatment. The PM, DG HNP, and MSSM Force Commander, while monitoring closely the ongoing operations, reiterated their commitment to ensuring that peace and normalcy returned in Haiti. The trio warned the gang members that this operation was just the beginning and that they were yet to see more unless they surrendered to the government, and were ready to face justice,” MSSM added.
The joint mission maintains that subsequent security operations will be sustained, with the Haitian government promising to deploy all its resources to support the operations.
“Locals have hailed the operations and expressed optimism that if such operations are maintained, the gangs will have no room to hide but surrender to the government. They called upon MSSM to continue spearheading the operations with the strong support of HNP,” the statement.
Delayed salaries for Haiti mission officers
The operation comes a day after it emerged that salaries for officers deployed in Haiti had been delayed for over two months, with MSSM promising that the salaries would be paid this week.
“The process for the disbursement of salaries to the MSSM officers accounts has been finalized and it is expected that the same will soon be reflected in their individual bank accounts in the course of this week. Going forward, elaborate mechanism has been put in place where payments will be promptly done at the end of the month. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about welfare issues of the MSS officers since mainstream processes have been finalized,” MSSM stated.
“The MSS officers remain committed, patriotic and focused on the success of the Mission as they believe and trust that their welfare issues are being addressed by the entire leadership ( Kenya, the Trust fund Advisory Board and the MSS).”