US Halts Haiti Mission Funds
The US government has decided to freeze over $13 million allocated to the Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission in Haiti. This move follows President Donald Trump’s directive for a 90-day review of foreign aid, leading to concerns about the mission’s sustainability. The United Nations confirmed the funding freeze, which caught Kenyan officials and other stakeholders by surprise.
The security mission, which includes personnel from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize, was established to combat rising gang violence in Haiti. However, it has made limited progress, raising doubts about its effectiveness. With funding now uncertain, the mission’s ability to achieve its goals remains in question.
Despite international support, the mission faces financial challenges. The US had pledged $15 million to the initiative, of which only $1.7 million had been spent before the freeze. According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Washington officially requested an immediate stop on the remaining funds, further complicating the mission’s operations.
Impact on Security Operations
The Kenya-led mission has struggled to restore order in Haiti, where armed gangs continue to expand their control over Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The force, consisting of nearly 900 personnel, is operating with minimal resources, as many nations hesitate to contribute funds. The US was the largest donor to the mission, and its withdrawal could cripple the initiative.
Haiti has faced chronic instability due to economic struggles, political turmoil, and frequent natural disasters. The presence of foreign security forces was expected to curb gang violence, but so far, progress has been slow. The latest funding freeze has intensified concerns that the mission may not achieve its intended goals.
More than $110 million had been contributed to the UN trust fund supporting the operation, with Canada being the largest donor. However, despite this financial backing, the security force remains underfunded and short of its planned 2,500 personnel. With funding now in jeopardy, Kenya and other nations involved may struggle to sustain the mission.
Trump’s Policy Shift and Its Consequences
President Trump’s decision to pause foreign aid contributions aligns with his “America First” policy, which prioritizes domestic interests over international assistance. Just hours after taking office on January 20, he ordered a review of all foreign aid programs, including those supporting Haiti’s security efforts. This policy shift has led to the suspension of funds not only for security operations but also for humanitarian aid.
The aid freeze has already impacted crucial services in Haiti. Clinics providing treatment for HIV/AIDS have been forced to suspend operations, while security advisors assisting the Haitian National Police have been laid off. With the US being Haiti’s single largest donor, the effects of this decision are expected to be severe.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed appreciation for Kenya’s leadership in the mission, he did not confirm whether the US would resume funding. Without a clear commitment from Washington, the future of the mission remains uncertain.
Growing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
Haiti’s security situation continues to deteriorate, with armed gangs gaining control over more neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince. The violence has led to a record number of displacements, with over 1 million Haitians forced to flee their homes. The United Nations reported that more than 5,600 people were killed in gang-related violence last year, highlighting the urgency of international intervention.
Despite the presence of foreign forces, gang-related massacres and kidnappings have escalated. Many Haitians hoped that the Kenya-led mission would provide relief, but with insufficient resources and declining support, its ability to address the crisis is diminishing. The recent freeze on US funds has only added to the mission’s struggles.
The lack of financial backing has slowed down deployments. While Kenya pledged 1,000 officers to lead the mission, the current force is operating with significantly fewer personnel. On Tuesday, 70 soldiers from El Salvador arrived in Haiti, but they were not combat troops. Instead, they were aviation specialists meant to handle medical evacuations, a task previously carried out by US and Dominican military aircraft.
International Reactions and Future Uncertainty
The funding freeze has sparked reactions from various stakeholders. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that there is enough money in the trust fund to sustain operations until September. However, without new contributions, the mission’s long-term sustainability is uncertain. Kenya remains hopeful that the mission will transition into a UN peacekeeping operation, which would make it eligible for direct UN funding.
The Trump administration has not indicated whether it supports this transition. Meanwhile, China and Russia have expressed opposition to converting the security mission into a UN operation. Without consensus among major global powers, the Kenya-led mission may struggle to secure the necessary financial and logistical support.
The freeze on funds is part of a broader shift in US foreign policy. Trump recently announced plans to scale down the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which could further limit foreign aid contributions. This move has raised concerns among international humanitarian organizations, which rely heavily on US funding.
