PORT-AU-PRINCE — On June 25, Prime Minister Garry Conille addressed the nation as the first Kenyan forces arrived in Port-au-Prince. He urged armed gangs to surrender, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring order with the support of the National Police of Haïti (PNH) and the United Nations Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
“We ask the bandits to lay down their guns and recognize the authority of the State before any other arrangements,” Conille declared. His message was clear: the government aims to reassert its control and bring stability back to the country.
The Prime Minister’s appeal came during a joint press conference introducing the Kenyan delegation, led by Monica Juma, Kenya’s National Security Advisor. Conille stressed the arrival of Kenyan forces as a key moment in the struggle to reclaim stability from armed gangs. These gangs have long terrorized the population, threatening their peace, homes, and livelihoods. The MSS mission’s presence marks a new phase in helping the Haitian police restore order and security.
The Prime minister who was surrounded by newly appointed PNH Chief Rameau Normil and Kenyan police officials, reassured the public. He said the government, in collaboration with the police, is planning operations to restore normalcy. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation with the UN-backed MSS mission, urging national unity.
“The state must take responsibility. The state must reclaim its authority and affirm its control,” Conille asserted. “We will start working with the police to plan operations that will enable everyone to resume their activities, return home safely, and allow merchants to reopen their businesses. The work to retake the country would begin “slowly, without major fights unless necessary,” he added, offering hope for the return to normal life.”
Kenya’s National Security Advisor, Monica Juma, echoed his call for patience and unity. She reinforced Kenya’s commitment to the mission. “We ask the Haitian population to support this mission,” she urged, emphasizing the shared responsibility between international forces and local communities in safeguarding the nation.
The mission was first requested by Haiti’s previous government in 2022. But support sagged and Conille’s predecessor was forced to resign in early March after traveling to Nairobi to secure Kenyan support while violence escalated back in Haiti.
“Kenya’s sole purpose is to serve as agents of peace,” Kenyan Foreign Minister Monica Juma told the press conference, saying police would prioritize protecting civilians, opening up routes for movement of people, goods and humanitarian aid, and protecting state institutions.
Conille remained cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the financial constraints faced by the mission. “For now, only $21 million is available for this multinational mission, whose total cost is estimated at $600 million,” he revealed. This highlights the significant financial gap that must be bridged to sustain the MSS efforts.
In response to recent attempts at dialogue by former police turned gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known as Barbecue, Conille was unequivocal about the government’s plans to restore law and order. He urged the population to remain vigilant and support all institutions and authorities unwaveringly.
“We ask all Haitians eager to see concrete actions against gang members to be patient,” Conille said. He expressed hope that everything would eventually return to order.
