Kenya’s leadership in stabilizing Haiti receives a new boost with the deployment of Bahamian soldiers, who are set to enhance maritime security and combat trafficking. This addition comes amid growing international support for restoring order in the troubled Caribbean nation.
In total, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) aims to deploy 2,900 personnel, with Kenya currently having 400 police on the ground and an additional 600 on the way. Other contributing nations include Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad.
An advance team of six members from the Royal Bahamas Defence Forces (RBDF) arrived at Louverture Toussaint International Airport last Friday, where they were welcomed by senior Haitian police officers and local commanders, including Col Kevron Henry, the MSS Deputy Force Commander, and Julian Smith, the Bahamas’ chargé d’affaires.
Col Henry expressed hope for further contributions from additional countries and reaffirmed the commitment to defeating gangs in Haiti, emphasizing the importance of restoring peace for the people. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with the Haitian National Police, which have already led to increased stability in various regions.
The Bahamian contingent is set to provide crucial operational support, with plans to deploy 150 RBDF personnel to enhance the capabilities of the Haitian National Police. Their expertise will focus on maritime patrols to safeguard Haiti’s territorial waters, facilitate humanitarian aid, and bolster economic stability.
Moreover, the Bahamian forces aim to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking through strategic interventions, disrupting narcotics and contraband trafficking networks. Collaborating closely with the Caricom Joint Task Force and international partners, the Bahamas seeks to strengthen maritime security in the region.
Residents have welcomed the arrival of Bahamian troops and urged other countries to expedite their deployments. With over 700,000 Haitians displaced and more than five million facing hunger, the need for effective support in Haiti is critical, as highlighted by the United Nations.
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