Prime Minister Garry Conille shared an update on a joint operation between Haitian forces and Kenyan police, aimed at driving out criminal gangs from one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince.
Speaking from a hospital in the capital, where three Haitian policemen were recovering from injuries sustained during a shootout in Bel Air, an area notorious for gang control and poverty, Conille expressed his frustration and determination.
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“I’m tired of seeing our police officers being shot. I’m tired of attending their funerals. We must solve this insecurity problem,” Conille stated, visibly emotional. He urged the Haitian people to cooperate with the police, stressing that their help is crucial in reducing crime.
While Conille didn’t provide specifics about the ongoing operation and left without taking questions, his message was clear: patience and cooperation are key. He acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges Haiti faces, with more than 3,200 killings reported between January and May alone. Gangs now control 80% of Port-au-Prince, leaving over half a million people homeless as they battle for more territory.
Earlier that day, the tragic news of Michelle Nathanielle Megine, a female officer shot while on her way to work, underscored the severity of the situation. Her death marks one of roughly two dozen officers killed this year, a grim reminder of the dangers the police face daily.
To combat this escalating violence, a UN-backed mission led by Kenya has deployed around 400 police officers to Haiti, with more reinforcements expected. Police and soldiers from countries such as Benin, Chad, and Jamaica are set to join, bringing the total number of foreign personnel to 2,500 in the coming months.
