The United States has pledged an additional $100 million in aid towards a United Nations-backed multinational security mission planned to deploy to Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken made the announcement during a meeting of regional leaders in Jamaica, where he also committed an extra $33 million in humanitarian aid, bringing the total U.S. commitments to $333 million.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry stranded outside the country as gang violence escalates and demands for his resignation grow. Despite mounting pressure, Mr. Henry has refused to step down, further complicating efforts to restore stability to the troubled nation.
Leaders from Caribbean nations are working on a proposal to create a transitional council to pave the way for the election of a new president in Haiti. The United States has doubled its approved support for the multinational security mission to $200 million, with an additional $33 million in humanitarian assistance to support health and food security.
Haiti and Kenya recently signed an agreement to deploy 1,000 Kenyan police officers to the Caribbean nation, with Kenya’s President William Ruto emphasizing the importance of peace in Haiti for global stability. However, there is still no clear timeline for when the multinational force will deploy.
The situation in Haiti has reached a critical point, with escalating violence, attacks on police stations, and a humanitarian disaster unfolding as access to basic necessities is severely limited. The fear of a civil war breaking out in Haiti is a real concern for regional leaders, who are working to prevent further chaos in the hemisphere.
