Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime welcomed the officers at the airport, emphasising the importance of their arrival. “This marks a crucial step in freeing our country from the grip of criminal networks and restoring peace,” he said. Fritz Alphonse Jean, a government advisor, noted that Haiti is now “at a turning point.”
Progress in Combating Gang Violence
Despite the MSS’s efforts, gangs continue to control approximately 85% of Haiti’s capital, according to UN estimates. In 2024 alone, gang violence claimed the lives of at least 5,601 people, displacing over a million—three times the displacement recorded in 2023.
Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen praised the mission’s impact, citing global recognition for its progress in reducing gang activity. Kenyan President William Ruto previously announced plans to deploy a total of 2,500 officers to Haiti, further solidifying Kenya’s commitment to the mission.
The UN Security Council extended the MSS mandate in September 2024 but stopped short of placing it under direct UN control, a request made by many Haitian officials. As reinforcements continue to arrive, the mission aims to restore stability and bring hope to the millions affected by the escalating violence.