NAIROBI, Dec 6 – Nearly 20 Kenyan police officers stationed in Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed anti-gang mission have submitted resignation letters over the past two months, citing pay delays and harsh working conditions. Despite their formal requests, the officers remain on duty with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
The MSS, led by Kenyan personnel, denied the allegations in a statement, asserting that all officers had received their salaries and allowances and that no resignations had been tendered. Reuters, which initially reported the issue, stands by its findings, despite not seeking comment from the MSS before publication.
Kenyan national police officials have not responded to inquiries about the resignation claims or delayed payments. National Police Chief Douglas Kanja told reporters on Wednesday that officers were paid through October. However, three officers said their last paychecks were issued in September.
Kenya deployed approximately 400 officers in June to lead the MSS mission in Haiti, which was planned to include 2,500 personnel from multiple countries. The force, however, has faced shortages in funding and manpower. While few officers from other nations have joined, Kenya’s pledge in October to send an additional 600 officers remains unfulfilled.
Resignation letters began in October after officers, initially attempting to leave verbally, were instructed to formalize their requests in writing. At least 15 more officers filed resignation letters in November, including five senior personnel and a unit commander.
Officers describe dire conditions in Haiti, with one recounting traumatic experiences such as witnessing dogs scavenging human remains. Others expressed frustration over limited resources, including insufficient ammunition to confront armed gangs that have increased attacks on Kenyan positions.
The mission has faced challenges since its launch, with previous reports of delayed pay, equipment shortages, and strained morale. The U.S. has been the primary funder of the MSS and has pushed for its transition to a U.N. peacekeeping force. However, China and Russia have opposed the move, calling for more time to establish stability before international forces are introduced.
Gang violence in Haiti has intensified, with armed groups extending their control over more areas of Port-au-Prince. These developments coincide with political instability, as the national transitional council recently replaced the prime minister it had appointed six months earlier with Alix Didier Fils-Aime.
