Monday 30th September 2024 the United Nation Security Council (UNSC), unanimously extended the mandate of MSS Mission in Haiti to 2nd October 2025 under UNSCR 2751 (2024). MSS stakeholders, actors and Haitian population that include those in the diaspora, welcomed the decision that has seen a re-energized multinational force which is more than ready to combat gang violence in Haiti. On the same breath, the extension of MSS mandate has seen more contributing countries reaffirm and confirm their commitment to support the MSS.
The MSS, in collaboration with HNP as envisaged in the mandate, have sustained both day and night joint patrols in Port-Au-Prince Communes with significant interest and priority at Tabarre, Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Croix-Des-Bouquets, Village Solidarite, La saline, the National Palace, Downtown, APN sea port area and the PNH School. More joint security operations will continue to ensure that Haitians go on with their businesses unhindered by the gangs whose only option is to down their weapons and surrender to the government to face legal actions.
The MSS wishes to condemn and castigate, in the strongest terms possible, the unfortunate gang attack on Thursday 2nd October 2024 at Pont-Sonde in The Artibonite Department where innocent souls were lost. To ensure that there is no repeat of the same, Prime Minister Garry Conille, the Director General Haitian National Police Normil Rameau and MSS Force Commander SAIG Godfrey Otunge promptly mobilized resources and personnel to Pont-Sonde to beef up security and maintain law and order. MSS is committed to the Haitian people and continues to call for their support as the perpetrators of these heinous acts are hunted down to ensure they face justice. More joint patrols will be sustained at Pont-Sonde.
As schools reopen and as normalcy returns within PaP, decisive operations will continue with special focus on reopening key roads, security for key critical infrastructure and pacification of key areas.
MSS continues to thank all stakeholders and actors for their untiring support for the Mission. Special thanks goes also to the people of Haiti who have remained steadfast in their support and commitment in ensuring that the Mission achieves its end state. This will see credible and effective Haitian authorities that are empowered with the capacity to maintain security to enable them hold free and fair elections in a conducive environment.
Godfrey Otunge, EBS, OGW (SAIG)
MSS Force Commander
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