Godfrey Otunge, the Kenyan Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) Commander, and Miroslav Jenča, the Under-Secretary-General for Europe and Central Asia, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the Americas and Department of Peace Operations (DPO) of the United Nations, held a crucial meeting on September 7, 2024.
Alexander Tadion, Special Assistant (BINUH), Papa Samba Mbodj, Head of the Police Component (D1 – BINUH), Jean Charar and Lukas Fulde, UN Delegates, and Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) accompanied Jenča. Otunge gave an overview of the MMSS’s successes and difficulties while hammering home the point that forward operating bases are essential to preserving both government infrastructure and the gang-free zones that have already been established and retaken.
- Advertisement -
Otunge urged more pledges and cooperation while highlighting the positive working relationship between the Mission and BINUH. He said that before the end of this month, advance contingents from Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas are anticipated to arrive. He emphasized that this will give the mission a global perspective.
Otunge promised to assist with the continuing security efforts in Croix-des-Bouquets, Delmas, and Solino. He emphasized that until gang leaders give up their guns and turn themselves into the government, they will have nowhere to run and will likely face legal action.
Jenča expressed her gratitude and admiration for Kenya for taking the audacious step of leading and deploying troops to Haiti. He emphasized that the Mission has accomplished a great deal, even if it is still in the deployment phase. He urged other contributing nations to quicken the process if they haven’t yet sent soldiers into the theater of operations.
He emphasized that the UN anticipates having a fully functional mission that would significantly impact Haiti and create a more secure atmosphere that will support free and fair general elections. Jenča gave the Force Commander her word that the United Nations and other contributing nations would never waver in their support of the Mission.
