President Trump has frozen over $13 million earmarked for a Kenya-led security mission in Haiti amidst a 90-day review of foreign aid. The mission, intended to combat burgeoning gang violence, has achieved limited success and relies on voluntary contributions. With gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince, the need for effective funding and international cooperation remains critical.
Under the directive of President Donald Trump, funding exceeding $13 million designated for a U.S.-backed international security mission in Haiti has been suspended. This decision follows a 90-day halt on foreign aid aimed at reviewing alignments with the “America First” foreign policy. The mission, primarily aimed at countering the surge of violent gangs in Port-au-Prince, has yet to show significant results and operates on voluntary contributions rather than being under UN command.
Gangs in Haiti, heavily armed and increasingly organized, currently control substantial areas of Port-au-Prince. The international security effort includes contributions from various countries and has secured over $110 million through a United Nations trust fund. However, despite these commitments, reports indicate limited progress in stabilizing Haiti due to the ongoing crisis and lack of resources.
The U.S. was expected to contribute $15 million to this endeavor, with approximately $1.7 million already allocated prior to the funding suspension. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported the freeze and the U.S. government’s invocation of a stop-work order on its contributions. This funding review marks one of Trump’s early actions in office as he sought to reshape foreign aid priorities.
In what could signal a major reconfiguration of foreign assistance distribution, Trump contemplated winding down the U.S. Agency for International Development. Such changes could significantly impact how resources are allocated to international missions, potentially influencing future partnerships aimed at stabilizing regions like Haiti.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated due to the rise of powerful gangs, which have capitalized on the instability gripping the nation. These gangs, armed primarily with weapons smuggled from the United States, have created a unified front, controlling large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The international community has taken steps, such as approving a security mission to restore order, yet success has been minimal and efforts are underfunded, thus necessitating financial support from various nations, including the United States.
In conclusion, the suspension of U.S. funding for the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti appears emblematic of President Trump’s broader aim to reassess and restructure foreign aid. As heinous gang violence persists in Haiti, the effectiveness of international efforts to stabilize the country remains uncertain. The financial halt accentuates challenges the mission faces, raising concerns over future contributions and logistical support needed to combat the alarming situation in Haiti.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
