Joint Haitian-Kenyan Police Effort Seeks to Dislodge Gangs from Haiti's Capital

Haitian forces, in collaboration with Kenyan police, have initiated a joint operation to expel criminal gangs from one of the most dangerous areas in Port-au-Prince, Prime Minister Garry Conille announced on Wednesday. Conille made this statement at a hospital where three Haitian policemen were recovering after being injured in a shootout during the operation in Bel Air.

Joint Efforts to Combat Gang Violence

The Prime Minister expressed his frustration over the ongoing violence against police officers. "I am tired of seeing police officers being shot. I am tired of going to police officers' funerals. We must solve this insecurity problem," he said. Conille urged Haitians to support the police by sharing information that could help reduce crime.

More than 3,200 killings have been reported in Haiti from January to May. Gangs control 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince, leaving over half a million people homeless as they vie for more territory. "It's not going to be quick," Conille stated. "We must be patient."

International Support and Future Plans

A UN-backed mission led by Kenya has deployed around 400 police officers to Haiti to help curb gang violence. Additional personnel from countries like Benin, Chad, and Jamaica are expected to join in the coming months, bringing the total number of foreign personnel to 2,500.

Earlier on Wednesday, a police union reported that a female officer was killed while on her way to work. Her vehicle had more than a dozen bullet holes in the windshield. Michelle Nathanielle Megine is one of roughly two dozen officers killed so far this year.

Prime Minister Conille did not provide further details about the operation and did not take questions during his brief news conference. However, he emphasized the need for cooperation between Haitians and law enforcement to tackle the crime issue effectively.

The ongoing violence has severely impacted daily life in Port-au-Prince. The joint operation aims to restore some level of security and stability in the capital's most troubled neighbourhoods.

The international community's involvement underscores the severity of the situation in Haiti. The deployment of foreign police and soldiers is seen as a crucial step towards restoring order and safety in the country.

The Prime Minister's call for patience highlights the complexity of resolving gang-related violence. The efforts to reclaim control from gangs will require sustained commitment and cooperation from both local and international forces.

As operations continue, the focus remains on reducing crime rates and improving living conditions for residents affected by gang violence. The success of these efforts will depend largely on the collaboration between Haitian authorities and their international partners.

The situation in Haiti remains dire, but these joint operations represent a significant step towards addressing the rampant gang violence that has plagued the nation for years.