Kenyan Police Reclaim Haiti’s Largest Hospital from Armed Gangs

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille as he visits the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille as he visits the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY

Kenyan police officers in Haiti have secured a notable triumph by reclaiming the country’s largest hospital from armed gangs that had held it captive for over four months.

This significant victory marks a pivotal moment in the effort to restore stability in Port-au-Prince.

On Tuesday, Haiti’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Garry Conille, alongside Haitian Police Chief, Normil Rameau, visited the hospital to emphasize the importance of this achievement.

The hospital, which previously served 1,500 patients daily, had been nearly paralyzed due to the gangs’ occupation.

Prime Minister Conille stressed the hospital’s critical role in providing care for the underprivileged, stating, “This hospital is not for the rich, it’s for the poor. These are people that need serious help that can’t go see a private doctor.”

The Hospital of the State University of Haiti, also known as the General Hospital, was liberated on Sunday night from the grip of criminal groups, marking a crucial win in the battle to restore order in the capital.

The hospital, located near the national palace, had a strategic importance heightened by its proximity to another hotspot of conflict.

Upon liberation, the hospital was found in a state of ruin. Beds were stripped, ceiling fans were broken, and debris littered the interior.

Bullet holes in the walls testified to the fierce battles fought to reclaim the area. Council member Louis Gérald Gilles, who accompanied the officials, announced that the hospital should be fully operational by February 2026.

The successful operation was led by Haitian police with essential support from a U.N.-backed contingent of Kenyan officers.

Kenyan officer Godfrey Otunge highlighted the collaborative efforts with Haitian authorities and international partners dedicated to rebuilding the nation.

The gangs’ control over the hospital was part of a broader campaign of terror. Since February, armed groups have torched and looted over 30 health facilities in Port-au-Prince, pushing Haiti’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse.

This violence has exacerbated an already dire situation, leading to a surge in patients with severe illnesses and a crippling shortage of resources.

Kenya has committed around 1,000 troops to the mission, part of a broader multinational effort that includes personnel from The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, and Jamaica.

The first batch of 400 Kenyan troops arrived last month, and the second batch is set to arrive this month, further bolstering efforts to stabilize the region.

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Written by Ateker TV

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