A fortnight after President William Ruto raised concerns over inadequate logistical support for the Haiti peacekeeping mission, the United States government has delivered new armoured vehicles to strengthen anti-gang operations in the Caribbean nation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 8, the US government, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, announced the delivery of 20 new armoured vehicles to Haiti. According to the statement, the vehicles will significantly enhance the capacity of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the Haitian National Police (HNP) in countering the armed gangs that continue to terrorize the population.
“This week, the US, through the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, delivered 20 new armoured vehicles to the Gang Suppression Force,” the US government stated. “These vehicles will strengthen the capacity of the GSF and Haitian National Police to counter the deadly gangs who are terrorizing the people of Haiti and reaffirm US commitment to Haiti’s security.”
The GSF is a larger international security force that succeeded the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. Despite the transition, Kenyan officers remain a crucial part of the new force, continuing to spearhead stabilization efforts on the ground.
The latest delivery comes as a major boost for the Kenyan contingent, following recent remarks by President Ruto regarding the challenges they faced in executing their mandate. During his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 22, Ruto lamented that the officers had been forced to rely on old, second-hand armoured vehicles that frequently broke down during operations.
“It was expected that there would be force multipliers such as armoured personnel carriers and logistical support to make the mission successful,” Ruto had stated. “The United States did provide vehicles, but unfortunately, most of them were second-hand. They broke down, often in dangerous places.”
Ruto’s concerns underscored the need for enhanced logistical and technical support for the multinational mission. The recent US intervention is now seen as a timely response aimed at improving operational safety and effectiveness as the GSF continues its mission to restore peace and stability in Haiti.
