Pope Leo Speaks Out as Kenyan Police Face New Struggle in Haiti

Pope Leo on Sunday described the situation in Haiti as “increasingly desperate”, citing reports of murders, widespread violence, human trafficking, forced exile, and kidnappings.
His remarks come as Kenya’s police deployment to Haiti faces mounting pressure after the Caribbean nation’s government declared a three-month state of emergency in its central region during a sharp escalation in gang violence.
“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.
Haiti’s government announced over the weekend that the emergency will cover the West, Artibonite, and Center departments.
Authorities say the measure is aimed at intensifying the fight against insecurity while addressing an agricultural andfood crisis that has worsened in recent months.
The affected region, known as Haiti’s rice basket, has been a prime target for armed gangs in recent years. Farmers have been reportedly killed or driven from their land, while entire communities have been destroyed in coordinated attacks, according to theAssociated Press.
Government officials say the violence has crippled food production, resulting in severe shortages and driving up prices, which have forced many residents to rely on humanitarian aid.
The United Nations human rights office reported that between October 2024 and the end of June 2025, more than 1,000 people were killed, over 200 were injured, and620 were kidnapped in the Artibonite and Central departments and surrounding areas.
Rights groups have warned that the escalating violence could derail progress made by the multinational security mission in which Kenyan officers are playing a key role.
The worsening security situation comes as Kenyan police continue their operations in Haiti under the UN-backed mission, with increasing calls for stronger international support to stabilise the country.
Last week, Kenyan police in Haiti, who are part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS), maintained that they have made significant progress in efforts to curb gang violence.
MSS Spokesperson Jack Ombaka announced that the Kenyan police, together with Haitian security forces, had intensified operations in critical areas within Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.