A fortnight after President William Ruto raised alarm over inadequate logistical support in the Haiti mission, President Donald Trump's administration has delivered new armoured vehicles to boost anti-gang operations in the Caribbean nation.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 8, the US government disclosed that it had delivered 20 new armoured vehicles through the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
According to the US, the vehicles will strengthen the capacity of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter the deadly gangs who are terrorising the people of Haiti.
GSF is a much larger international security force which replaced the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. However, despite replacing the MSS, the Kenyan contingent still forms part of the GSF.
"This week, the US, through the US State Department, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, delivered 20 new armoured vehicles to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF)," the US government announced.
"These vehicles will strengthen the capacity of the GSF and Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter the deadly gangs who are terrorising the people of Haiti and reaffirm US commitment to Haiti’s security," it added.
The move comes as a major boost for the Kenyan officers in the Caribbean nation, as it is expected to enhance the troops' firepower and combat gang influence.
Two weeks ago, President Ruto raised concerns over the safety of the Kenyan police in Haiti, stating that the officers had for almost a year forced to use dilapidated second-hand vehicles during anti-gang operations.
Speaking on September 22, during a high-level meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ruto noted that while the US delivered armoured vehicles, the vehicles often broke down in hazardous areas.
"It was expected that there would be force multipliers such as the armoured personnel carriers and logistical support to make the mission successful," Ruto stated.
He went on to add, " The United States did provide vehicles, but unfortunately, most of them were second-hand. They broke down, often in dangerous places."
The Head of State explained that his sentiments were not meant to discourage international partners such as the US but underscored the need for better resourcing.
