NAIROBI, Kenya- The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that Kenyan troops, who are part of the multinational force in Haiti, are paid promptly to ensure the mission’s success.
Speaking at a press conference, Blinken underlined that timely compensation for security personnel is “critical” for the effectiveness of the operation, which aims to restore stability in the Caribbean nation.
With Kenya leading the charge, the mission has already seen over 380 Kenyan troops deployed to support Haiti’s police force.
But as more troops from Kenya and other nations prepare to join the force, Blinken noted that additional funds will be necessary to ensure that all involved are adequately compensated.
Blinken stressed that while there is funding available, more will be needed as the mission grows.
“We have some money in the bank to do that, including through the UN fund that’s been established. But as we’re projecting out and as we’re looking at growing the MSS mission itself, we also have to figure out what’s going to be required to pay for that,” he stated.
His comments come as the multinational force, operating under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699, works to secure Haiti and pave the way for democratic elections .
Kenya’s Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, General Service Unit, and Border Patrol Unit are among the elite forces engaged in the mission.
These teams have been collaborating closely with local authorities to secure key areas like hospitals, airports, and roads that had been overrun by gangs.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort to restore normalcy, with encouraging signs of progress in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
Blinken shared some positive updates on the mission’s impact so far, highlighting how the reopening of critical infrastructure has jumpstarted economic recovery in Haiti.
“The airport reopened. Commercial flights have resumed, allowing goods to enter the country. In parts of Port-au-Prince, there’s more economic activity, more markets reopened, more people venturing out,” he noted.
The success of these efforts has relied heavily on international collaboration, with the U.S. playing a pivotal role in supporting the peacekeeping forces.
In addition to providing $300 million in aid, the U.S. has delivered armored vehicles, radios, night-vision goggles, and other essential equipment to help secure Haiti’s future .
Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to ensuring the mission’s long-term success, stating that the country will continue to provide training, equipment, and financial resources to bolster the security efforts in Haiti.
“We’ll be getting more assistance here more quickly,” he emphasized, signaling that the multinational force’s operations will expand as they continue working towards stabilizing the region.
The international community’s ongoing involvement in Haiti, including the leadership of Kenya’s forces, is crucial to bringing peace and stability to a country that has been in crisis for years.
By ensuring that troops are well-compensated and equipped, the mission hopes to foster conditions conducive to free and fair elections, moving Haiti one step closer to a brighter future.
