Port-au-Prince is starting to show signs of recovery. On Boulevard Toussaint Louverture, a young couple recently shared a hug, and a group of men danced to Bob Marley’s “One Love” on the radio.
A few months ago, this scene would have been unimaginable. Gangs were running rampant, kidnapping people, blocking food and water supplies, and fighting the Haitian National Police. Since the arrival of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in late June, attacks have slowed.
But in the city’s most dangerous areas, gangs are still testing the new MSS force. Both Haitians and its supporters in Washington are watching closely for any signs of failure.
A Dangerous Patrol
A recent night patrol by Kenyan troops, who lead the MSS, highlighted their tough situation. Their convoy was attacked in downtown Port-au-Prince, with bullets hitting their armoured vehicles. The soldiers couldn’t return fire because their vehicles lacked the necessary equipment. The following day, a Kenyan officer was injured during an attack on a grain truck.
A Long-Awaited Mission
The MSS mission has been a long time coming. Since 2022, Haiti’s neighbors have been concerned about the growing power of gangs. The situation worsened in March, leading to a government collapse and fears of anarchy close to the US.
Garry Conille, a Haitian doctor and interim prime minister, was tasked with addressing the crisis. Conille estimates that over 85% of Port-au-Prince is under gang control, with around 600,000 people displaced and 2 million living in constant fear.
Urgent Need for Action
Conille stressed the importance of public confidence in the MSS mission to rebuild Haiti. He is working hard to expedite international aid and equipment, which is essential for the mission’s success. He fears that if the mission fails to meet expectations, it could undermine the transitional government.
Building the MSS Base
The MSS base near Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport was quickly established. It now houses 400 Kenyan police officers and will soon include troops from other countries. Unlike previous missions, the MSS is independent of the UN and focuses on supporting Haitian police rather than replacing them.
Managing Expectations
Security experts worry that the mission is struggling to meet expectations. Videos have shown some clumsy handling of situations by both Haitian and Kenyan police. Recent statistics report over 100 gang members killed and 65 arrested, but this barely addresses the scale of the problem.
Challenges and Future Plans
The MSS faces several challenges, including the need for more equipment and better facilities. Plans include establishing forward operating bases and creating mobile courts for speedy trials of gang members. There are also efforts to address the needs of children involved in gangs.
As the MSS continues its work, Haiti’s gangs are watching closely. Some have offered dialogue, while others have shown off new weapons. The mission’s success will depend on overcoming these challenges and effectively supporting Haiti’s security forces.
