Biden approves Sh14 billion funding to deploy Kenyan-led security mission in Haiti

The Joe Biden administration has approved USD109 million (Sh14.09 billion) in funding to deploy the Kenyan-led Multilateral Security Support Mission to Haiti.

This comes after months of being blocked by Republican lawmakers from funding an armed security mission to Haiti.

"The Secretary of State Antony Blinken's decision, which has become known as the "nuclear option", overrides a Republican hold on the funds, which along with several court challenges in Nairobi has delayed the mission's deployment," Haiti newspaper, The Miami Herald reported.

With the move, the deployment draws even closer as there is not only money to purchase equipment that the Kenyan security assessment team said is needed before its officers arrive in Port-au-Prince, but also sends a strong signal to other nations.

The Kenyan team that visited Port au Prince last month observed that the venue was not ready for the mission's deployment following a delay in procuring armoured vehicles, communication gadgets, weapons and other critical equipment.

"By moving forward with the obligation of resources, the Secretary is also indicating to other countries the sincerity and seriousness of our commitment, in part to incentivise others to increase their contributions to the mission," a senior State Department official told The Miami Herald.

The move happened as Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome alongside his deputy Douglas Kanja, the lead officer in the mission, the Deputy Inspector General Administration Police Service Noor Gabow and other police commanders held a meeting with a Haiti delegation in Nairobi that declared they were counting on Kenyan police support to quell the violence in the Caribbean nation.

People, carrying Haitian flags, march during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry on March 7, 2024. (Photo: Guerinault Louis/ Anadolu via AFP)

"NPS remains committed to collaboration in the mission for the good of the people in Haiti, especially women and children," the IG assured the delegation.

Six nations

At least six other nations, including Jamaica and Benin, have confirmed to the United Nations that they plan to send their police officers as part of the mission.

While the US is providing the largest portion of the funding, having pledged USD 300 million prior, a trust fund opened by the United Nations for the mission has received minimal contributions.

Kenya remains tight-lipped on the details of the deployment, even as sources confirm that the deployment date is getting close.

The initial deployment had been scheduled to arrive in the country by May 23, ahead of the consequent deployment in batches to the 2,500-member security force but was delayed again.

Preparations for the mission's deployment have since led to the official resumption of operations at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport and the construction of the camps that will host the officers.

At the same time, local police officers have been urged to reclaim the cities and public spaces overtaken by gangs and ensure the free movement of goods and people ahead of the mission's deployment.

"The time has come to review our approach to security and reconsider our strategy so that it is global and immediate," Garry Conille, the interim Prime Minister said on Tuesday as the Transitional Presidential Council assured the police of its support in all its interventions.

The mission, though initially described as peacekeeping in nature, with the deployed officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, General Service Unit and Border Patrol Unit alongside their support staff, expected to be deployed to guard key security installations, is an enforcement mission.