Kenyan police officer Bénédict Kabiru was killed in an ambush in Haiti, highlighting the escalating security crisis as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the region. The officer’s death underscores the violent environment faced by the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, where gang control over Port-au-Prince continues to worsen the humanitarian situation.
A Kenyan police officer, Bénédict Kabiru, was killed during an ambush by gang members in Haiti. The officer was part of the international force combating gangs when two MRAP vehicles were attacked near Pont-Sondé, a town in the Artibonite region. His death, confirmed by Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, underscores the perilous conditions faced by security forces in the region.
The ambush occurred while the officers were attempting to recover an armored police vehicle stuck in a ditch, reportedly dug by gangs. During this operation, one MRAP vehicle also became immobilized, and as officers worked to address the mechanical failure, they were attacked. This incident reflects ongoing violence that has plagued Haiti alongside the growing dominance of gangs.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently visiting the Caribbean, with a focus on the crisis in Haiti. He is scheduled to meet with Fritz Jean, president of Haiti’s Transitional Council, to discuss enhancing regional cooperation in addressing security challenges. The situation remains dire, as over 80% of Port-au-Prince is believed to be under gang control, with violent incidents rising in rural areas, particularly the critical agricultural region of Artibonite.
Recent violence saw over 70 people, including women and children, massacred by the Gran Grif gang in the same area where the Kenyan officer was attacked. Displacement continues to surge in Port-au-Prince due to this violence, worsening humanitarian conditions, with reports stating nearly 23,000 individuals were displaced in a single week in March. Furthermore, nearly half of Haiti’s population, approximately 5.5 million, is now facing severe hunger, highlighting the dire need for intervention and support.
In summary, the tragic death of Kenyan officer Bénédict Kabiru highlights the severe security crisis in Haiti, exacerbated by rampant gang violence. As the U.S. Secretary of State engages with Haitian officials to strengthen regional cooperation, the humanitarian situation worsens, with record levels of displacement and hunger among the Haitian population. Immediate action and support from the international community are paramount to addressing these escalating challenges.
Original Source: www.news8000.com
