Haitian Gangs Adapt to Fight Against Kenya-Led Police Force

Port-au-Prince, Haiti — The arrival of a Kenya-led multinational police force, tasked with restoring order in Haiti, has prompted local gangs to adopt increasingly sophisticated tactics to maintain control.

In recent months, gang violence has surged, with criminal groups seizing over 80% of Port-au-Prince and other critical regions. The UN-backed Kenyan police force, alongside Jamaican and Belizean support, now faces gangs armed with heavy weaponry, including drones, making their operations significantly more challenging.

Reports indicate that gangs are establishing fortified positions, digging trenches, and deploying drones for surveillance to monitor police movements. This escalated response marks a shift from traditional street-level tactics, underscoring the extent of gang entrenchment in the region. Their efforts have complicated an already high-stakes mission for the Kenyan officers, who are committed to curbing violence and allowing humanitarian aid to reach the approximately 5 million Haitians facing food insecurity.

Haitian officials, alongside international partners, have underscored the importance of sustained support and resources for the mission, emphasizing that a broader commitment is needed to dismantle these heavily armed groups. The Kenyan-led force, although relatively small in number, aims to restore stability, but the resistance from gangs highlights the steep challenges ahead in Haiti’s struggle for peace and security.