What You Need to Know:
US Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Greenfield announced during a press conference in Georgetown, Guyana today that Benin has offered up to 2000 troops to supplement a Kenyan force to be deployed in Haiti.
During the press conference Greenfield stated, “during a bilateral discussion with the Haitian Prime Minister Henry, as well as meetings with Haitian government leaders, CARICOM heads of government, and representatives from the UK, Canada, and France, we had the opportunity to discuss how we move forward the political process in Haiti, and also, we talked about the urgency of deploying the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. This mission is key to helping the Haitian National Police restore peace and security, enabling free and fair elections, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.”
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an economic and political union of 15 Caribbean nations, and has been instrumental in attempting to quell Haiti’s ongoing violence.
Ariel Henry has been the acting President of Haiti since the assassination of Jovenel moïse in July 2021. Gang violence in the country has exploded under Henry’s rule, with 8,400 deaths related to gang violence reported in 2023, a 122 per cent increase from 2022.
Kenyan plans to deploy a force, which had been supported through a UN Security Council Resolution were halted after a Kenyan judge ruled the deployment of police to another country unconstitutional in January. Kenyan President Ruto however, told Reuters journalists that the deployment of the force will go ahead after the correct paperwork is filed between the nations.
So, What Now?:
Gang violence in Haiti has had a catastrophic impact on civilians, with thousands being displaced in addition to daily shootings, lootings of businesses, kidnappings, and rapes.
