The United States Ambassador to the United Nations announced during a trip to Haiti an additional $60 million in humanitarian aid to the troubled Caribbean nation. This assistance is in addition to the $165 million provided by USAID this fiscal year, which will be used to address gaps in nutrition, food security, shelter, water, sanitation services, and cash aid for basic goods. The U.S. Defense Department will also provide an increase in mine-resistant vehicles to support a U.N.-backed multinational security mission led by Kenya to help Haiti’s national police combat widespread gang violence. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed optimism about the progress being made in addressing the humanitarian crisis and the political reform needed for democratic elections.
Haiti’s new transitional government, led by Prime Minister Garry Conille, has received widespread international support in their efforts to combat gang violence and work towards holding democratic elections. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gangs have increased their control over the capital and surrounding areas, leading to a surge in violence. The Kenyan police contingent in Haiti will play a crucial role in controlling the gangs and ensuring security as the country moves towards elections. The violence in Haiti has displaced over 580,000 people, with more than half being children, and has led to widespread food insecurity affecting 4 million people.
The U.N. Security Council approved the deployment of a multinational security force to Haiti, consisting of personnel from Kenya, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica. The force will eventually total 2,500 personnel and will be deployed in phases, at an annual cost of approximately $600 million. The U.S. has provided over $300 million in support of this force, which will assist in training the Haitian national police for joint security operations. The formation of this force was supported by a U.N. resolution, following a request made by Haiti for the deployment of a foreign armed force to combat the rising gang violence in the country.
The announcement of increased assistance and support for Haiti comes at a critical time as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the assassination of President Moïse and the growing influence of gangs. The deployment of the multinational security force, led by Kenya, marks a significant step towards addressing the security challenges facing Haiti and working towards stability and democratic governance. The combination of humanitarian aid, security assistance, and political support aims to address the root causes of the crisis in Haiti and help the country rebuild and recover from the ongoing challenges it faces.
The visit by Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to Haiti highlighted the commitment of the United States to supporting the efforts of the Haitian government and the international community in addressing the crisis in the country. The discussions held with Kenyan police, Haitian leaders, and government officials focused on the need for continued collaboration and action to combat gang violence, provide humanitarian relief, and pave the way for democratic elections. The engagement of the U.S. and other international partners in Haiti reflects a shared commitment to stability, security, and development in the region, and underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing complex challenges and supporting nations in crisis.
