Nearly 20 Kenyan police officers serving on a U.N.-backed anti-gang force in Haiti have submitted letters of resignation due to pay delays and poor working conditions. According to three officers, who requested anonymity, the delays started in October, but the mission has denied any resignations were tendered.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti is facing morale problems, inadequate ammunition, and worsening gang violence. The Kenyan police officers are among those struggling with pay issues, despite the mission’s statement claiming all personnel have received their salaries.
Kenya deployed around 400 officers to lead the MSS since June, but the force has been hindered by funding and staffing shortages. Only a handful of officers from other countries have arrived, leading to delays in the mission’s operations.
The Kenyan police officers report that colleagues began submitting resignation letters after being told to put their requests in writing, with at least five senior officers among those who tendered their resignations. They cited gang violence and lack of adequate ammunition as significant concerns.
This comes as Haiti faces worsening gang violence, with armed groups expanding control over parts of the capital Port-au-Prince. The situation has been described as dire, with some officers reporting scenes of extreme violence and human suffering.
The mission’s funding is largely provided by the United States, but there are divisions among world powers on how to proceed with the operation.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/kenyan-police-haiti-tender-resignations-over-pay-delays-2024-12-06