The joint security mission in Haiti took a hit this week after US President Donald Trump froze $13m (Sh1.6b) funding. This follows a 90-day pause he announced on foreign aid that has jolted key security and health programmes globally.
Trump’s move, the UN says, is unfortunate since the Kenya-led multi-national force aimed at combating gang violence in the Caribbean nation desperately needs resources and goodwill to restore order.
On Wednesday, however, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, downplayed Trump’s decision, saying the mission has alternative sources of funding. But observers rightly say the Haiti mission is complex and any funding cuts mean a lot. Mr Mudavadi spoke as 168 police officers jetted out of Nairobi on Thursday for Haiti.
The officers, drawn from the paramilitary General Service Unit (GSU), left for the mission after months of intensive training. Kenya will now have 800 officers on the ground against the targeted 1,000.
The deployment is part of the UN-backed Multi-national Security Support (MSS) mission, following the UN Security Council’s authorisation in October 2023 for Kenya to lead the international police force in Haiti. The first contingent of 400 elite Kenyan police arrived in Haiti in June 2024. The MSS has an estimated annual budget of $600 million.
It faces significant budget shortfalls since pledges of more than $85 million are yet to come through. At this point, we believe the US should reconsider its decisions to avoid jeopardising the mission. The team needs sustained financial and logistical support from the international community.
Further, the world has been treated to blame games by UN members over who should play what role in stabilising Haiti. The US has particularly been accused of paying lip attention to the mission. Besides, the haggling between authorities in Port-au-Prince is of no use.
From credible reports, lethal gangs have now regrouped under a common alliance and have besieged the capital. While the security teams on the ground are optimistic that they will defeat the gangs, reports suggest it could take longer than anticipated to bring back the trouble country to its feet. The country went into full-blown violence following the killing on President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021.
It is important to support the process fully now that Kenyan officers, and others from Barbados and other countries, have taken up the challenge. The officers must gain the trust and cooperation of local communities in Haiti. This will mean involving Haitians in decision-making and ensuring the mission’s actions align with local needs and concerns.
Kenya can’t succeed alone. It must be a combined effort. Equally, those concerned should take it upon themselves to facilitate honest dialogue between Haitian leaders towards establishing a functional government, promoting peace and national reconciliation. Organising and holding credible elections will be key to achieving a stable Haiti.
