Faith Nyasuguta
Benin has stepped up to support a Kenyan-led international force combating armed gangs in Haiti, pledging 2,000 troops, according to US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
The United Nations approved the mission last October, responding to Haiti’s request. The conflict in Haiti, responsible for nearly 5,000 deaths and displacing around 300,000 people, spurred the international effort.
Benin, along with France and Canada, committed resources to the cause. The US, leading with a $200 million commitment, aims to curb illicit arms flow to the Caribbean, particularly from the United States. Haiti’s gangs reportedly acquire firearms largely through smuggling from the US.
During a press conference in Guyana, Thomas-Greenfield shared that Benin’s offer came just before her delegation started their journey. She revealed that some Caribbean nations supporting the mission called for additional Francophone nations to join the initiative.
United States Ambassador to the United Nations /Tell/
In a statement released during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, the US acknowledged financial, personnel, and in-kind commitments from Benin, France, and Canada.
Canada, in a subsequent announcement, earmarked 80.5 million Canadian dollars ($60 million) for the mission. Thomas-Greenfield noted that Guyana also pledged funds to the mission without specifying the amount.
Kenya, taking the lead in the mission, initially offered 1,000 police officers, a move later deemed unconstitutional by a local court. Despite the setback, President William Ruto affirmed the plan’s continuation, and discussions have persisted.
Noteworthy is that public commitments to support the voluntary security force have primarily originated from developing nations in Africa and the Caribbean.
Thomas-Greenfield highlighted her meetings with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry during the CARICOM summit in Guyana. She urged both the Prime Minister and opposition groups to find common ground for Haiti’s political future.
Notably, no specific timeline has been set for the much-anticipated elections in Haiti. Prime Minister Henry had initially pledged to step down by early February, emphasizing the need for restored security before ensuring free and fair elections.
Haiti has been grappling with political challenges since the assassination of its last president in 2021, prompting international efforts to stabilize the situation.
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