The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission Force Commander Godfrey Otunge was among key dignitaries present during the passing out parade of 739 trained officers in Haiti.
In a statement on Saturday, January 11, 2025, MSS said that the passing out parade which took place at the National Police Academy in the Carribean nation came following months of rigorous training which started in August 2024.
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According to the mission, the National Police Academy was reopened in July last year following intervention from Commander Otunge and the Director General of the Haitian National Police (HNP) Normil Rameau.
The Academy had been under threat from the notorious Kraze Baryè gang led by Vitel’Homme Innocent.
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“Despite fears that the academy might remain closed indefinitely due to gang control in the surrounding area, a bold decision by Director General of the Haitian National Police Normil Rameau and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge led to its reopening in July 2024,” read part of the statement.
Following the reopening of the academy, the Otunge-led Force established the first MSS Forward Operating Base (FOB), paving the way for the training of a new batch of officers.
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On Friday, January 10, the academy held a passing-out parade for 739 newly trained officers which included 213 women.
Otunge-led force battles gangs
According to MSS, the event was a powerful symbol of resilience and progress. The Chief Guest for the graduation of the 34th HNP class was Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC).
Other notable dignitaries included Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti Maria Isabel Salvador, and Ambassadors Dennis B. Hankins (USA) and André François Giroux (Canada).
Also Read: MSS Mission Commander Clarifies Kenyan Police Resignations in Haiti
Although there were initial attempts by gangs to disrupt the ceremony, with isolated gunfire reported far from the academy, specialized units of the HNP and MSS swiftly neutralized the situation.
“The graduation ceremony proceeded without further interruption,” the statement adds.
TPC President Voltaire emphasized that the graduation of these officers symbolizes the government’s commitment to restoring security in Haiti and creating conditions conducive to holding a national referendum and elections.
Kenya commended
While commending the recruits for their determination and courage during the five-month training, HNP Director General Rameau Normil acknowledged the vital role of the MSS Kenya contingent in supporting the academy.
Also Read: Haiti Massacre Leaves 110 Dead Amid Kenyan Police Resignation
The passing-out parade of the officers comes seven months since a contingent of Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti to lead the MSS Mission and the development is a significant boost in the fight against gang violence.
Kenyan police officers alongside their counterparts from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica have been cooperating in a bid to re-capture the violence-ravaged capital of Port-au-Prince.
The newly trained officers are expected to join special units within the HNP to strengthen and enhance police operations.
The MSS also plans to establish new Forward Operating Bases in the two most affected regions, further consolidating efforts to restore law and order in Haiti.
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