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In a significant move to strengthen Haiti’s security response, the United States Department of Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) delivered a new fleet of Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Haitian National Police (HNP). The arrival of these vehicles is part of a broader effort to support the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which seeks to stabilize the country amid rising gang violence and insecurity.
According to the U.S. State Department, these APCs will double the existing MSS fleet, enhancing the mobility and operational capacity of the Haitian National Police. The vehicles, along with additional law enforcement tools, are intended to empower HNP officers working in collaboration with MSS forces to more effectively combat the escalating threat posed by organized gangs throughout Haiti.
“This delivery reaffirms our commitment to addressing the pressing security and humanitarian needs in Haiti,” the State Department stated, emphasizing the crucial role of a well-equipped MSS force in bolstering anti-gang efforts. The U.S. aims to support the Haitian people’s quest for stability, paving the way for a political solution led by Haitians themselves, which includes holding free and fair elections.
The importance of this mission was underscored by the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) recent decision to extend the MSS mission in Haiti until October 2025, building on the progress made since its inception. The Kenyan-led MSS contingent, deployed in collaboration with the HNP, has been actively working to dismantle gang strongholds in Port-au-Prince and other affected areas. The National Police Service (NPS) of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to international law enforcement cooperation, underscoring its partnership with Haiti and other entities working toward peace and stability.
Kenyan officers have called on armed gangs to lay down their weapons and surrender as part of broader efforts to restore order and peace in the country. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has faced a surge in violence, with over 578,000 people displaced due to gang activity, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed gratitude to Kenya for its leadership in the MSS mission. In a recent discussion with Kenyan President William Ruto, Blinken emphasized the ongoing need to restore security in Haiti. The conversation also touched upon regional peace initiatives, highlighting the interconnected nature of security efforts across different regions.
As Haiti continues to grapple with violence and political instability, the support from international partners, including the United States and Kenya, underscores a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Caribbean nation. The delivery of these APCs marks another step in strengthening the capacity of Haitian law enforcement to combat violence and pave the way for a stable future.
