Abinader: no direct contact with Haitian Minister

Santo Domingo.- Addressing the crisis in Haiti and the involvement of Kenyan forces, President Abinader stated that while he has not had direct communication with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille, intelligence agencies have maintained contact.

“We haven’t had direct communication with the Haitian Prime Minister; just the standard communications through the foreign ministry. However, all intelligence and military agencies have been in touch with the Kenyans and some Haitian counterparts to stay informed and ensure maximum security,” President Abinader said during a meeting with La Semanal with the Press.

In related events, armed gangs attacked the motorcade of Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille in Port-au-Prince on Monday as he was leaving the State University Hospital of Haiti after a surprise visit. Witnesses reported that Kenyan journalists and police were briefly trapped inside the hospital during the ambush by the gang coalition “Vivre Ensemble” (Living Together).

This incident led to violent clashes between Haitian and Kenyan police and the armed gangs. The control of central Port-au-Prince by these gangs has heightened tensions in the capital.

Kenyan police forces began arriving in Haiti in late June as part of a multinational security support mission led by Kenya.