Head of mission in Haiti issues warning to gangs

Port-au-Prince, Haiti.- The commander of the Security Support Mission in Haiti, Godfrey Otunge, issued a stern warning to armed gangs in the country, urging them to surrender and face legal consequences or face police action aimed at restoring peace. His statement came as a new contingent of 150 Guatemalan soldiers, including 19 women, arrived in Port-au-Prince to bolster the mission.

Otunge emphasized the strengthening of cooperation with the Haitian Police and expressed gratitude for the international community’s ongoing support in terms of equipment and resources. He also called on countries yet to deploy troops to contribute quickly, citing the mission’s urgent need for more personnel, resources, and funding.

The arrival of Guatemalan and El Salvadoran troops, which occurred on January 3 and 4, was met with some criticism in Guatemala regarding the presence of female soldiers. In response, the mission defended the female soldiers, highlighting their extensive training and readiness to directly confront gangs. The new troops will join forces with those from Kenya, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Belize already stationed in Haiti as part of the multinational effort.