Haiti Turns to Controversial Police Force to Fight Gangs As Kenyan Forces Struggle
But the new partner, Haiti’s Brigade for the Security of Protected Areas (BSAP), has sparked fear instead of hope.
Desperate Measures, Dangerous Partners
This week, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) announced a decree to integrate BSAP into national law enforcement efforts. The decision comes as gangs increase their grip on the capital and Artibonite region.
Since January, at least 262 people have died in Kenscoff alone. Over 3,000 residents have been displaced, with hundreds of homes reduced to rubble.
Despite BSAP’s questionable track record, CPT insists the move is necessary.
However, human rights groups are alarmed. They warn that BSAP lacks clear command, proper training, and transparency. Many critics even point to its shady links with criminal networks.
Kenyan Troops in the Crossfire
Meanwhile, Kenya has already lost one police officer in Haiti. Several others have been injured in ambushes and skirmishes with gangs.
Morale is shaken. Resources are thin. And the violence shows no signs of slowing down.
Yet, Kenya’s police leadership remains firm.
“There is no crisis,” insisted Inspector General Douglas Kanja in a recent statement. “Our officers are equipped and trained to handle the mission.”
The National Police Service (NPS) further dismissed reports of overstretched forces as “misleading and false.”
Still, doubts linger, especially after recent reports from Haiti described Kenyan troops caught in fierce gunfire, unable to move forward or defend the most vulnerable communities.
BSAP Responds—But Clarity Lacks
BSAP officials welcomed the decree—though even they seemed confused.
“We haven’t received any official circular,” said Kesny Cherenfant, BSAP’s Northeast secretary. “But we are ready and willing to battle for our country because we don’t have a second one.”
Founded in 2018 by former Environment Minister Pierre Simon Georges, BSAP was meant to protect nature. However, it soon grew into a loosely governed paramilitary force accused of unlawful detentions and working with political actors.
A Volatile Alliance
Now, with both the Kenyan MSS forces and the newly integrated BSAP expected to coordinate operations, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Will this alliance restore order—or plunge Haiti into deeper chaos?
Only time will tell.
ALSO READ: IG Douglas Kanja Dismisses Reports of Kenyan Officer’s Death in Haiti: “Tutampata”
Haiti Turns to Controversial Police Force to Fight Gangs As Kenyan Forces Struggle
