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The National Police Academy in Haiti, which was once threatened by the infamous Kraze Baryè gang led by Vitel’Homme Innocent, has successfully reopened and marked a significant milestone.
There were concerns that the academy might remain shut due to the gang’s control over the surrounding area. However, thanks to the decisive actions of Haitian National Police Director General Normil Rameau and Multinational Security Support (MSS) Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, the academy reopened in July 2024.
They established the first MSS Forward Operating Base (FOB) on the premises, enabling the training of new officers.
On January 10, 2025, the academy hosted a grand graduation ceremony for 739 newly trained officers, 213 of whom were women. The officers had undergone intense training starting in August 2024, and the event was hailed as a symbol of resilience and progress, according to officials.
Though there were attempts by gangs to disrupt the ceremony, including sporadic gunfire heard at a distance from the academy, the Haitian National Police (HNP) and MSS quickly dealt with the threat.
The Chief Guest at the graduation of the 34th HNP class, dubbed “Vertières,” was Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). Other notable attendees included Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Justice and Public Security Minister Patrick Pélissier, and several foreign dignitaries, such as Maria Isabel Salvador, Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, and ambassadors from the U.S. and Canada.
Voltaire emphasized that the graduation reflected the government’s commitment to restoring security in Haiti, enabling the country to hold a national referendum and elections. He urged the new officers to build positive relationships with the public and maintain professionalism and integrity.
Rameau reminded the officers of their responsibility to combat insecurity and acknowledged the significant support provided by the MSS Kenya contingent at the academy. He also highlighted the success of the HNP-MSS collaboration, particularly in Haiti’s West and Artibonite departments.
The newly trained officers are expected to bolster special units within the HNP, enhancing police operations and combating gang violence.
The MSS plans to establish more FOBs in the country’s most affected regions to further stabilize Haiti. Additionally, the arrival of reinforcements from Guatemala and El Salvador has brought optimism, as the international mission seeks to restore security amidst the ongoing gang violence.
A group of 75 soldiers from Guatemala arrived on January 10, followed by another group of 75 on January 11, with eight Salvadoran officers also joining. This marks the beginning of a larger United Nations-backed security mission led by Kenya, which aims to address the violence plaguing the country.
Despite the ongoing challenges, including the recent escape of 3,700 inmates from two major prisons and the deteriorating security situation, there is hope that the international force will succeed in curbing gang violence. However, much work remains as Haiti grapples with a history of instability, poverty, and political turmoil.
Despite the deployment of over 3,100 troops pledged by ten countries, the mission’s progress has been hindered by ongoing violence, including gang control of key areas, and the closure of the airport due to security concerns. Kenya plans to send an additional 600 police officers to further support the mission.
