In a remarkable display of international cooperation and resilience, Kenyan police officers in Haiti have achieved a significant victory by reclaiming the country’s largest hospital from armed gangs that had held it hostage for over four months.
On Sunday night, the Hospital of the State University of Haiti, also known as the General Hospital, was liberated from the clutches of these criminal groups, marking a crucial win in the battle to restore order in Port-au-Prince.
This operation signifies a turning point in the ongoing struggle to stabilize the Haitian capital.
Haiti’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Garry Conille, and Haitian Police Chief, Normil Rameau, visited the hospital on Tuesday, underscoring the importance of this triumph.
“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,” Conille emphasized, highlighting the hospital’s critical role in providing care for the underprivileged.
The scene at the hospital was one of devastation. Beds were stripped bare, ceiling fans lay broken on the floor, and the interior was littered with debris.
Bullet holes riddled the walls, evidence of the fierce battles fought to reclaim the area.
The hospital’s proximity to the national palace, itself a site of numerous clashes, only heightened the strategic importance of its liberation.
Council member Louis Gérald Gilles, who accompanied the officials, announced that the hospital should be fully operational by February 2026.
This statement brings hope to the many who rely on the hospital’s services.
The successful operation was led by the Haitian police with crucial 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.
“We are here to support our Haitian brothers and sisters in restoring peace and ensuring the safety of their healthcare facilities,” Otunge said.
The gang’s 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.
The violence has exacerbated an already dire situation, leading to a surge in patients with severe illnesses and a crippling shortage of resources.
The victory comes as the United States on Tuesday made good its pledge to support Haiti’s beleaguered security system, delivering military equipment and supplies.
A U.S. Air Force cargo plane over the weekend arrived with essential items, including several MaxxPro armoured vehicles.
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, bolstering the efforts to stabilize the region. The second batch is set to arrive this month.
This successful operation at the General Hospital not only represents a critical step towards restoring healthcare services in Port-au-Prince but also stands as a testament to the power of international solidarity in the face of adversity.
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