Monday, August 11, 2025 - Pope Leo, on Sunday, described the situation in Haiti as “increasingly desperate,” citing reports of murders, kidnappings, human trafficking, forced exile, and widespread gang violence.
His remarks come as Kenya’s police deployment to Haiti faces
growing scrutiny, following the Caribbean nation’s declaration of a three-month
state of emergency in its central region.
The measure, announced over the weekend, covers the West,
Artibonite, and Center departments - areas hit hard by insecurity and an
ongoing food crisis.
“I make a heartfelt appeal to all responsible to release the
hostages immediately, and I ask for the concrete support of the international
community in creating social and institutional conditions that will allow
Haitians to live in peace,” Pope Leo said.
Authorities say armed gangs have targeted the region, known
as Haiti’s “rice basket,” killing farmers, destroying communities, and
crippling food production, which has fueled shortages and soaring prices.
The UN human rights office reports that between October 2024
and June 2025, over 1,000 people were killed, more than 200 injured, and 620
kidnapped in the affected areas.
Rights groups warn the escalating violence could undermine
the UN-backed multinational security mission involving Kenyan officers.
MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka said Kenyan police, working
with Haitian forces, have intensified operations in key areas of Port-au-Prince
to curb gang activity.
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