U.S. Endorses Kenyan-Led Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti, Condemns Gang Violence
The United States government has officially reaffirmed its support for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, pledging continued collaboration with regional partners to help restore order in the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation.
In a statement issued by U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Washington highlighted the importance of Kenya’s leadership in stabilizing Haiti and confirmed ongoing consultations with governments across the Americas.
“The United States supports the efforts by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and CARICOM to assist the government in its efforts to bring peace and stability to Haiti in the face of armed criminal gangs,” Bruce stated.
Backing for Haiti’s Transitional Leadership
The U.S. also condemned attempts by armed gangs to destabilize the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti, which is currently led by Leslie Voltaire, appointed in October 2024, and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime.
The Council is tasked with overseeing national governance and facilitating general elections by February 2026.
“The United States supports the statement by CARICOM condemning any actions to destabilize Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council,” Bruce added, following talks with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who also chairs CARICOM.
Kenya’s Commitment and Sacrifice
Kenya has deployed over 800 police officers to Haiti under the MSSM banner to assist in neutralizing powerful gangs that have seized control of large parts of the country.
The mission, however, has come at a cost. Between February and March:
- Two Kenyan officers, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai and Bénédict Kabiru, were killed in gang-related attacks in the Savien and Pont-Sondé regions, respectively.
- Two more officers were injured and are currently recovering, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
- One officer remains missing, with a search ongoing.
“We lost an officer, and we feel very sad in the circumstances under which we lost him. One officer is still missing… we also have two officers who got injured, but they are recuperating well,” said Murkomen.
Global and Regional Solidarity
Other countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Belize have joined the peacekeeping effort, contributing troops to support Haiti’s stabilization.
The collective action by Kenya and its allies underscores the growing international resolve to support democratic governance and curb armed violence in Haiti, as the nation struggles with crippling insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
