Civilians in Haiti have staged protests to block the movement of Kenyan police officers deployed under the multinational security mission, amid fears that their withdrawal could expose communities to gang violence.
Residents in the towns of St. Marks and Pont Sonde erected road barricades to prevent the officers from leaving, expressing concern that the end of the mission would leave them vulnerable.
“We fear that if they leave, the gangs will return and terrorise us,” one protester said.
The situation escalated as protesters blocked key access routes, forcing authorities to resort to air evacuation. Helicopters were deployed to transport Kenyan officers out of Petite Rivière and Pont Sonde after ground movement became impossible.
Security sources said the operation was necessary to ensure the safety of the officers amid the growing unrest.
“The use of helicopters was necessitated by the barricaded roads and the need to safely relocate personnel,” an official familiar with the mission stated.
Kenyan police are part of an international effort to stabilise Haiti, which has been grappling with escalating gang violence and insecurity.
The protests highlight growing anxiety among local populations over the sustainability of security gains made under the mission and the potential consequences of a premature withdrawal.
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