Haiti: Kenya sent 200 soldiers to counter the armed groups. The analysis of Flavia Maurello

The multinational security mission for Haiti continues with a contingent of 200 men sent by Kenya to strengthen the local police and counter the armed groups. Flavia Maurello, Country Representative for AVSI, analyses the effects.

Una strada di Haiti - Marco Palombi

The Multinational Security Mission, approved by the United Nations Security Council, continues in Haiti with a mandate to strengthen the local police in its work to contrast gangs that dominate various areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince. An initial contingent of 200 men has been sent from Kenya to secure the most sensitive targets in the capital, such as the airport, the Government Palace, ministries, and the American embassy.

Flavia Maurello, Country Representative for AVSI in Haiti, described the current situation of the Country, in an interview with the Italian online magazine Sussidiario.

"Since the end of June, the Kenyan security forces have started patrolling Port-au-Prince, but the power of the gangs over certain areas of the city is difficult to break. Violent actions by the gangs continue. These actions have always been their preferred modus operandi to sustain themselves: from kidnappings for ransom to clashes with other gangs to gain greater control over the territory. With the arrival of this first contingent the situation has improved the city: with the opening of airports and borders that allows the entry of various goods, including medicines. However, it is difficult to think that the current mission can solve the Country's problems. There is a need for support from other international actors, including the USA, but for now, everything remains too complex."

Flavia Maurello, Country Representative for AVSI in Haiti

The continuation of the mission

Chad, Belize, Bangladesh, Benin, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Bahamas will also take part in the mission, sending their soldiers to reach a contingent of 1,000 units. Meanwhile, the violence within the Country continues with kidnappings and the use of armed children at checkpoints.

AVSI's committment

To address this last problem, AVSI insists on promoting activities with minors, working in collaboration with psychologists and social workers, and organizing activities in community spaces to support health and nutrition.

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