International Force Commander Forecasts Dismal New Year for Haitian Gangs.

The escalating gang violence in Haiti has reached a critical juncture, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes and claiming thousands of lives in 2024. In response to this dire humanitarian crisis, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, a coalition of international forces, is bolstering its presence and strengthening its resolve to combat the pervasive gang activity. Leading this amplified effort is Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Godfrey Otunge from Kenya, who serves as the commander of the MSS. Otunge has issued a stern warning to the gangs, declaring that 2025 will not be a year of impunity, but rather a period of reckoning where they will face the full force of the MSS.

Otunge’s declaration of intensified action against the gangs coincided with the arrival of 150 Guatemalan soldiers, including 19 women, at Toussaint Louverture Airport. This influx of personnel represents a significant boost to the MSS’s capacity and underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing the security crisis in Haiti. Otunge welcomed the Guatemalan contingent, expressing his gratitude for their support and highlighting their crucial role in bolstering the MSS’s operational capabilities. He emphasized that these reinforcements will significantly contribute to the mission’s efforts to dismantle the gangs and restore stability to the beleaguered nation.

The arrival of the Guatemalan troops comes on the heels of the deployment of eight police officers from El Salvador, who are tasked with preparing the ground for a subsequent wave of Salvadoran soldiers. This phased deployment strategy reflects a carefully planned and coordinated approach by the MSS to progressively increase its presence and effectiveness in Haiti. The combined efforts of these contributing nations demonstrate a growing international resolve to tackle the complex security challenges facing the country and provide much-needed support to the Haitian people. Otunge’s leadership, coupled with the increasing international support, signals a shift towards a more robust and proactive approach to combating the deeply entrenched gang problem.

Otunge’s message to the gangs was unequivocal: surrender or face the consequences. He presented them with a stark choice – either lay down their arms and submit to the authority of the police or brace themselves for a decisive confrontation with the MSS. This ultimatum underscores the MSS’s determination to dismantle the gangs and restore a semblance of order to the country. Otunge emphasized that the MSS is not merely posturing but is fully prepared and actively training to eliminate the pervasive threat posed by these criminal organizations. This clear and decisive stance aims to send a powerful message that the era of gang dominance is coming to an end.

The gangs in Haiti have operated with relative impunity for far too long, contributing to the widespread displacement and violence that has plagued the nation. Their control over vast territories has crippled essential services, restricted movement, and created a climate of fear and insecurity. The MSS, under Otunge’s command, is determined to break this cycle of violence and restore hope to the Haitian people. The influx of troops from Guatemala and El Salvador, coupled with Otunge’s unwavering commitment, represents a significant turning point in the fight against these criminal networks.

The international community’s response to the Haitian crisis underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing complex security challenges. The combined resources and expertise of the participating nations, under the unified command of the MSS, provide a robust framework for tackling the multifaceted issues contributing to the instability in Haiti. Otunge’s leadership, coupled with the commitment of the international partners, provides a glimmer of hope for a more secure and stable future for the Haitian people. The message is clear: the gangs’ reign of terror is being challenged, and the MSS is determined to bring about lasting change.