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Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSSM), Godfrey Otunge. (Photo via CMC)
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Regional contingents are expected to arrive in Haiti in the coming weeks to assist with efforts to combat the challenges that nation has faced since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.
The commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSSM) Godfrey Otunge, who is the Kenyan commander of the MSSM, made the statement as he issued a fresh update concerning the status of the operation to regain control of the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation.
“Otunge shared the achievements and challenges of the MSS while stressing the need to create Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) that will play a key role in maintaining the already pacified and recaptured areas from gangs and government infrastructure,” a statement from his office highlighted.
Otunge, was speaking during a meeting with Miroslav Jenča, the Under-Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the Americas and Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
Sending a stern warning, Otunge stressed that gang leaders would have nowhere to run and hide unless they put down their weapons and surrendered to the government where they should expect to face charges.
During the meeting, Jenča hailed and appreciated Kenya for taking a bold decision to lead and send its troops to Haiti.
He noted that even though it was in the deployment phase, the achievements of the MSSM have been impressive and called on other contributing countries that have not yet deployed their troops to the theatre to expedite the process.
The update comes just days after Otunge assured the Kenyan troops of their fair compensation after a slight delay in the payment of their dues.
