The US has shown signs of contemplating deploying its troops to Haiti despite earlier remarks on the peace-keeping mission....CONTINUE READING
According to the Commander of US Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, the US was prepared for the deployment due to the increasing violence and gang takeover in the Caribbean country.
Speaking on March 20, toResponsible Statecraft, an American Magazine, the army official said, “We are prepared if called upon by our State Department and Department of Defense. I however do not envision a US-only solution.”
This decision has been informed by the delay in deploying Kenyan troops to quell the chaos. Kenyan government
is however waiting for a transitional council to be established.
Meanwhile, Richardson who was speaking on Tuesday, March 19, during at the Atlantic Council explained that the crisis in Haiti would be dealt with by one country but required an international solution.
She also emphasised that before the US sent its troops to Haiti, the Joe Biden administration would first lobby for international support. She added that the US was watching closely the situation and had a wide range of contingency plans.
“We want to be able to do what’s right and humane and be able to take care of the populations that are trying to escape the crisis,” Richardson added.
The violence in Haiti has escalated with thousands of people being displaced and others have lost their lives. Gangs have also taken over the country, disrupting operations in major sectors like airports. Additionally, the gangs have caused the escape of over 4,000 inmates.
The chaos also forced Ariel Henry to resign as the Prime Minister after being denied entry and forced to land in Puerto Rico. Henry was in Kenya to sign a deal with President William Ruto which would allow the deployment.
Henry’s resignation derailed the deployment and the troops from Kenya and other countries will be deployed after a transitional council is established.
However, despite the hurdles, President Ruto has assured the UN and Haiti that Kenya will continue with the deployment.
Notably, the Kenya-led mission has been opposed by gang leaders in the Caribbean nation who have asked the US and other foreign powers not to interfere…CONTINUE READING>>
