The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) received a significant boost as the advance team from the Bahamas joined forces already stationed in Haiti to combat criminal gangs terrorizing the local population. Kenya leads the MSS mission, which is set to comprise 2,900 personnel.
On Friday, October 18, a plane carrying an advance team of six Royal Bahamas Defence Forces (RBDF) members landed at Louverture Toussaint International Airport, where they were greeted by local commanders. Col. Kevron Henry, MSS Deputy Force Commander, and Julian Smith, the Bahamas Charge d’Affaires, along with senior members from the Bahamas Consulate office in Haiti, welcomed the team. Senior officers from the Haitian National Police (HNP) were also present to extend a warm welcome to the Bahamian contingent.
Col. Kevron expressed optimism about more contributing countries deploying to the MSS soon, reiterating the mission’s commitment to defeating the gangs so that the people of Haiti can enjoy peace. He thanked the HNP for the fruitful working relationship that has led to the pacification of many areas and promised that the MSS would continue its patrols and operations while awaiting additional equipment and personnel from various contributing nations.
Julian indicated that the Bahamas was joining the larger MSS family, where they would provide operational support and enhance the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter gang activities. The advance team from the RBDF has trained with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Joint Task Force (JTF), and they are expected to synergize with the MSS contingents from Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize already on the ground. Additional deployments from the Bahamas are anticipated in the coming months, with plans to send a total of 150 RBDF personnel.
The Bahamas will bring special expertise in maritime patrols, leading continuous and coordinated operations in Haitian territorial waters to deter threats to maritime security. They will also focus on port security to ensure the safety and functionality of strategic ports in Haiti, facilitating humanitarian aid, economic development, and political stability.
Additionally, the Bahamas will take the lead in preventing illegal migration by implementing measures to protect Haitian citizens and prevent human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys. As a force multiplier for the MSS, the Bahamas will also focus on countering illicit trafficking by disrupting and deterring activities related to narcotics, weapons, and contraband.
The RBDF, as a CARICOM counterpart, will collaborate closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners in enhancing maritime security and counter-trafficking efforts hence contributing to the overall security of the Caribbean region, preventing the destabilising effects of illicit activities.
The Bahamas is the fourth country to deploy to MSSM with other contributing countries expected to do so by the end of this year to complete the current deployment phase. Locals hailed the arrival of the Bahamas but called upon the remaining countries to deploy promptly.
Last week, the personnel on the ground staged an operation in a slum that left 20 gang members dead. Officials said during the clash, the team also brutally injured the second leader of the Kraze baryè gang, Deshomme.
Several items including firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, sensitive materials and equipment were seized during the operation.
The developments come against the backdrop of Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille’s visit to Kenya where he asked for more personnel to be deployed.
He alongside President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi rallied the international community to do more to help restore peace in Haiti.
“Kenya and Haiti, therefore, stand united in calling on the international community to urgently rally behind this Mission. The adoption by the United Nations Security Council to extend the term of the MSS by another year signals strong global support,” Ruto stated.
“Words and pledges must be matched by concrete action. We therefore strongly implore our global partners to accelerate their contribution to the personnel, logistics and financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the Mission,” he added.
Over 700,000 people in Haiti have fled their homes and over five million are going hungry – nearly half the population, according to the United Nations.
Last month, the U.N. Security Council unanimously authorised extending the MSS’s mandate by another year.
A U.S. push for a plan to turn it into a U.N. peacekeeping mission was dropped from the resolution due to opposition from Russia and China.
