US provides US$300M support for Haiti-bound multinational security mission

…Canada, Mexico & France also pledge support

By Jarryl Bryan

Following intense discussions on Monday between Haitian stakeholders, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the wider international community, the United States (US) has agreed to increase its financial support for the multi-national force that will be traveling to Haiti to help restore order to the beleaguered country.
The meeting, which was held in Kingston, Jamaica, culminated in a press conference chaired by President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his capacity as Chairman of Caricom. According to President Ali, Caricom as a community would play an important role in helping to mobilize these resources.
“This is the level of commitment that is needed for the people of Haiti and Haiti at this time. And I really appreciate the type of support you’ve been giving. And we in CARICOM, look forward to this continued support, for the fulfilment of all the pledges.”
“And we will also be working closely with the partners to ensure we mobilize as quickly as possible, resources for the rebuilding of Haiti, for the humanitarian effort required for Haiti and the advancement of the Haitian society,” President Ali said.
This was reinforced by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in whose country Monday’s meeting was hosted. According to Holness, the prospect of civil war in Haiti is a real one. This, according to him, is an untenable situation.
“Without recounting the disruptions and violence being experienced by ordinary Haitians through attacks on institutions and infrastructure, it is clear that Haiti is now at a tipping point. CARICOM and our regional partners, are deeply concerned, as are our international partners here present and beyond,” Holness said.

“Strong and decisive action, owned by the people of Haiti, must be taken to stem the sea of lawlessness and hopelessness, before it is too late. We are deeply distressed that it is already too late, for too many that have lost far too much at the hands of criminal gangs. The fear of the situation in Haiti, worsening to become a civil war, is now a real one. We’re all agreed that this cannot be allowed to happen. Not in our hemisphere.”

US support
Representing the US at the discussions was Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who lauded the hands-on role being played by the Caricom Chairman, Caricom and other partners such as those in Africa, in fielding the multinational force.
While the US has ruled out deploying forces to assist the multi-national force (consideration is being given for marines to help guard the US embassy in Port-au-Prince), the country has not only committed millions of US dollars to logistical support for the multi-national force, but according to the Secretary of State it is doubling its contribution.
“What we’ve seen in recent days, again, should remind us that the already challenging and difficult security situation, has now deteriorated even further and makes the multi-national support mission even more important than ever. The United Nations Security Council has reaffirmed that. And reaffirmed a collective commitment to deploying as quickly as possible,” Blinken said.
“Given this increasingly urgent need, I’m announcing today that the United States Department of Defence is doubling its approved support for the mission, from $100 million to $200 million. And that brings the total US support to $300 million for this effort. I’m also announcing additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Haiti, $33 million, to further support their health and food security.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who attended the meeting virtually, also committed Canada to making an unspecified financial contribution to the multi-national force.

Lauding Caricom for its role in finding a resolution for Haiti, he also committed Canada to providing “humanitarian contributions and any sort of political support we can in continuing to move forward on this.”

Mexico & France
Mexico was represented at the meeting by its Foreign Minister, Alicia Bárcena. According to her, Mexico remains committed to continuing its role in helping Haiti with structured developmental assistance and poverty eradication interventions. She urged that attention be paid on tackling the root causes of the unrest in Haiti.
“When we were members of the United Nations Security Council, Mexico promoted the resolution that we knew demanded of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, which imposed sanctions on non-state actors linked to gang financing and arms trafficking. And we urged the sanctions committee to act more effectively in implementing these resolutions.”
“We are aware that this situation is not recent. And it’s imperative to all of us to address the root cause. And we mean poverty, inequality, violence and social disintegration. Through Caricom, Mexico will continue our cooperation programmes in agriculture, health and environment. It is essential to put together projects for development and increase the productive capacities and job opportunities for Haitians,” she said.
France, the former colonial masters of Haiti, was meanwhile represented by French Minister of State and Development Chrysoula Zacharopoulou. According to her, it is important that the international community urgently mobilise alongside Haiti, “to put an end to the suffering of the population victimized by criminal armed groups.”
The Minister stressed France’s commitment to supporting Haiti, including the dialogue and Caricom’s mediation efforts.
“We’re here to support the Haitian dialogue and Caricom mediation efforts. France stands by your side. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks by armed groups. They are terrorizing the population and undermining the very foundation of the Haitian state.”
She also lauded the efforts being made by Kenya and Benin, towards fielding the multi-national force. However, the French Minister lamented the prospect that current PM Henry could be exiled from Haiti, as armed gangs have been agitating for him to be.
“I would like to thank Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s efforts in extreme and serious security and political context. We thank him for the service he has provided and consider that he should not be forced to an exile out of his country.”
“However, faced with the current gridlock, the inter-Haitian political dialogue must be set up with a view of fostering a broader consensus. It’s up to the Haitian stakeholders to live up to their responsibilities in order to put in place a consensual political formula,” Zacharopoulou said.
Blinken, who lauded the hands-on role being played by the Caricom Chairman, Caricom and other partners such as those in Africa, in fielding the multi-national force.