Gangs Rampaged, but the MSS Mission Slowed Attacks
A few months ago, walking through the main streets of Haiti’s capital seemed impossible. Gangs rampaged through the city, kidnapping civilians, blocking food and water shipments, and clashing with the Haitian National Police. However, the arrival of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in late June changed the situation. Criminal attacks have since slowed. Inside the foreign mission was sent to battle Haiti’s gangs.
Gangs Test the MSS in Red Zone
Despite the reduced violence, a new war has begun in the “red zones” across Port-au-Prince. Gangs have started testing the still-developing MSS. As the armored convoy rolled through downtown, it faced heavy gunfire. Inside, a Kenyan officer noted the close-range bullet impacts on the reinforced windows. Although the troops didn’t return fire, they realized that their vehicles lacked turrets, preventing any response.
The Arrival of the Kenyans Raised Expectations
For years, Haiti’s neighbors debated how to respond to the growing power of armed gangs. In March, coordinated gang attacks forced the Haitian government to dissolve. The threat of anarchy near the Florida coast made international intervention the only viable solution. Garry Conille, a Haitian doctor and former UNICEF director, took charge of addressing the crisis. In May, CARICOM established a transitional council, which appointed Conille as interim prime minister. Inside the foreign mission was sent to battle Haiti’s gangs.
Transforming the MSS Base
The creation of the MSS base marked a significant achievement. Within months, empty lots near Port-au-Prince’s airport transformed into a bustling hub. Private security arrived first, securing the area. Contractors then worked nonstop to build roads, helipads, barracks, and a field hospital. Even a laundry room was constructed, complete with warnings not to dry body armor. Amidst the rush, a rusting plane from Planet Airways remained on-site, too large to move before the Kenyans arrived.
The Kenyan Police Lead the Mission
Four hundred Kenyan police officers, many from special units, now live at the base. Their numbers may soon increase to 2,500, with additional forces expected from several countries, including Jamaica, Benin, and Bangladesh. The mission’s goal is to establish forward bases in regions like Artibonite, eventually reclaiming gang-controlled territories. The Haitian Justice Department is exploring mobile courts to swiftly process arrested gang members, while new prisons must be built to accommodate the growing number of detainees.
Challenges and Waiting Gangs
MSS troops face several challenges, including the need for essential equipment like vehicle turrets. Meanwhile, Haiti’s gangs watch and wait. Some have proposed dialogue, offering a potential path to peace. Others have escalated tensions, posting videos of smuggled weapons and stockpiles of ammunition. As the situation unfolds, Haiti once again becomes a testing ground for international intervention.
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