By Andrew Kariuki

Civilians in Haiti have staged protests opposing the withdrawal of Kenyan police officers deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

The demonstrations come as the final group of officers from Kenya prepares to return home following months of operations aimed at restoring stability in the violence-hit nation.

According to reports, residents blocked roads in areas including St. Marks and Pont Sonde, attempting to prevent the officers from leaving. Protesters also barricaded key routes, forcing authorities to deploy helicopters to evacuate personnel from Petite Rivière and surrounding areas.

The MSS mission, which had been led by Godfrey Otunge, is now being replaced by a new United Nations-backed security operation.

The incoming force, known as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), was approved by the United Nations Security Council in October 2025 and will be led by Chadian forces.

The first contingent of Chadian police officers arrived in Haiti in early April to begin the transition.

Leadership of the new mission will be taken over by Jack Christofides, a South African official appointed as Special Representative to oversee the operation.

Christofides succeeds Otunge and is expected to coordinate ongoing peacekeeping efforts as the new force assumes control.

The protests highlight local concerns over the security transition, as residents expressed unease about the departure of Kenyan officers who had been actively engaged in stabilisation efforts.