US Military Sends Armored Vehicles To Kenyan Police in Haiti

The US military revealed it would deliver 24 additional armored vehicles to Kenyan police in Haiti, which signifies a significant escalation in efforts to restore stability. The vehicles were reportedly delivered on Friday, August 23.

At a Glance

The U.S. Military has reportedly delivered 24 MRAP MaxxPros armored vehicles to the Kenyan police in Haiti.
It said the vehicles would be delivered via U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft to the capital’s main airport.
The delivery strengthens an existing fleet of 10 U.S.-provided MRAPs, now totaling 34.
Violence in Haiti has displaced nearly 600,000 people due to the heavy presence of gangs.
The mission includes securing areas for free and fair elections in Haiti.

Mission Details and Equipment

The U.S. Military has reportedly delivered 24 MRAP MaxxPros armored vehicles to the Kenyan police in Haiti. The military previously announced that the cargo would be transported via U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft to the capital’s main airport. The new delivery adds to an existing fleet of 10 U.S.-provided MRAPs, bringing the total to 34. Additionally, 34 Overhead Gunner Protection Kits were also set to be installed on the vehicles, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

Kenyan police arrived in Haiti on June 25 and have managed to secure several key areas such as a local port, a national hospital, and a major road. The mission, aimed at supporting the Haitian National Police, includes re-establishing security and creating conditions for free and fair elections in Haiti. Amid the complexities on the ground, Kenyan troops requested more fighting equipment, including fighter choppers.

US military to deliver 24 more armored vehicles to Kenyan police in Haiti https://t.co/oYQm6xmVib pic.twitter.com/3M2zdbJBXa

— Reuters Africa (@ReutersAfrica) August 24, 2024

Escalating Tensions in Haiti

The situation in Haiti is dire with around 600,000 people internally displaced by ongoing conflicts. Violence in regions such as Ganthier has forced residents to flee their homes, leaving approximately 6,000 people from Ganthier displaced by August 1. Kenyan troops had withdrawn from Ganthier in late July—a marked setback for the mission. Initially, some MRAPs lacked the necessary combat towers, limiting their effectiveness on the ground. However, the new vehicles are equipped with turrets to address this issue.

“People are living under very bad circumstances. So, they want to see action. They want to see movement,” Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille said. “Unfortunately, the resources are not enough and not coming quickly enough. We understand that there are a lot of emergencies going on and heavy fatigue, but the good news is that there is hope.”

Conille raised concerns over delays in funding and support for the mission. He warned that a lack of timely assistance could undermine the operation and the credibility of the transitional government in Haiti. Conille emphasized the urgency of action and the need for more resources to ensure the mission’s success.

Global and Local Implications

The U.S. government’s provision of $300 million to support the Haitian MSS contingent underscores the scale of this international effort. The MaxxPro MRAPs are designed for maximum protection against land mines, IEDs, and ballistic arms, making them essential for the mission in Haiti. Each vehicle can carry up to seven personnel and 11,150 pounds of payload, illustrating their logistical importance. Discussions with local ambassadors and authorities are ongoing to procure more resources.

The second phase of the mission is expected to be more offensive, aiming to address gang violence directly. Diplomatic efforts by the Jamaican and Bahamian governments are underway to deploy their forces to Haiti. Kenyan police, in concert with local and international forces, aim to stabilize the country as the initial 12-month mandate ends in October.