A member of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has died alongside a civilian following a road accident involving two armoured vehicles in the hills above Port-au-Prince.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday evening along the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road at Perlerin 9, an area synonymous with violent gang ambushes, deadly clashes between security forces and armed groups, and a string of fatal accidents that have turned the mountainous stretch into one of the most perilous routes outside Port-au-Prince.
According to Jack Ombaka, the MSS spokesperson, the incident happened during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro vehicles. One of the vehicles, which was towing the other, developed mechanical problems, leading to the fatal crash.
Ombaka confirmed that, in addition to the two fatalities, eight MSS officers sustained injuries, three of them critically.
The injured were rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, one officer and a civilian were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The three critically injured officers have since been earmarked for medical evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialised treatment. The rest are receiving further care at the Aspen Level 2 Hospital at the LSA 2.
“The accident also involved civilians. The injured were rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville, where one MSS officer and a civilian were pronounced dead. Eight other officers sustained injuries, three of them in critical condition,” Ombaka said in a statement.
While he did not disclose the nationality of the fallen officer, local media in Haiti reported that the victim was a Kenyan.
In his statement, Ombaka extended the mission’s condolences to the bereaved families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as with the injured, as they recover,” he added, reiterating MSS’s commitment to supporting its personnel and their families during this difficult period.
This incident marks the latest setback for the multinational force tasked with restoring order in Haiti amid escalating gang violence. The country has been battling criminal gangs that control large parts of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding regions.
Less than two weeks ago, the Haitian National Police lost two SWAT officers after a drone packed with explosives detonated during an operation. Two other officers were left injured in the attack.
The MSS has also lost two of its own in separate ambushes by armed groups. While one officer’s death was confirmed, another (suspected to be a Kenyan officer) is still missing and feared dead, with local media already reporting his passing.
Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights office reported that between October 2024 and the end of June 2025, more than 1,000 people were killed, over 200 were injured, and 620 were kidnapped in the Artibonite and Central departments and surrounding areas.
