The United States is advocating for an extension of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, amid escalating violence and an unyielding humanitarian crisis. This push comes as the mission’s initial 12-month mandate is approaching its end.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Haiti to bolster support and morale for the mission, has publicly urged the renewal of the United Nations mandate. The mission, which aims to combat the rampant armed gangs dominating much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, is facing a critical juncture as its mandate is set to expire at the beginning of October.
“The situation in Haiti is dire. We need more funding and personnel to effectively meet the mission’s objectives,” Blinken stated during a press conference in Port-au-Prince.
“At this critical moment, it’s essential to consider all options to sustain and support the mission. We are exploring every avenue, including the possibility of a renewed U.N. peacekeeping mission.”
The mission, initially approved for a year and launched in mid-2023, has struggled with delays and insufficient resources. Despite the deployment of approximately 400 Kenyan police officers by July, only a fraction of the planned 1,000 troops has arrived.
Furthermore, the mission has encountered funding shortfalls, with only $63 million about Ksh387 million in the current exchange rate, contributed to the U.N.’s dedicated trust fund, falling short of the required amount.
In May, Kenyans.co.ke exclusively reported that such a move was on the cards due to the prolonged delays and legal condensation that followed the UN approval in October 2023.
Ambassador William O’Neill, the United Nations Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Haiti, discussed the ongoing complexities in an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke. O’Neill emphasised the need for an extended mandate to ensure stability and effective support for Haiti’s upcoming elections, which are scheduled for late 2025.
“The mission was meant to start in October 2023, but with significant delays pushing deployment to mid-2024, a 12-month mandate is clearly insufficient,” O’Neill noted. “Extending the mandate, potentially through 2026, seems to be the only viable option to support Haiti’s recovery and its electoral process.”
The current mission, led by Kenya, remains the only country to have deployed troops thus far. Other nations have pledged around 1,900 additional troops and substantial financial support, but logistical issues and delays have hampered progress. The mission’s effectiveness is hindered by ongoing challenges such as delayed payments for Kenyan officers and the lack of essential equipment.
Blinken’s visit to Haiti included meetings with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and the head of the presidential council, Edgard Leblanc Fils. He also announced an additional $45 million in humanitarian aid, aimed at addressing the severe conditions faced by nearly 580,000 internally displaced persons and the nearly 5 million people experiencing acute hunger.
“The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is profound, with large numbers of people facing severe hunger and displacement,” Blinken remarked. “We are committed to supporting Haiti through these challenging times and ensuring that the mission can continue to make a difference.”
Haiti, which has not held elections since 2016, is in urgent need of political stability. The assassination of its last elected president in 2021 has compounded the country’s instability, making the mission’s success crucial for the nation’s recovery….CLICK HERE FOR MORE ARTICLE>>>
