In Rio de Janeiro, the United States co-hosted a meeting with Brazil to discuss the Multinational Security Support (MSS) in Haiti. Canada, Benin, France, and Jamaica have shown their support for the U.N.-backed international security force aimed at tackling the rampant gang violence in Haiti, according to a statement from the United States.
Last year, Kenya stepped forward to lead the MSS, and now Washington has pledged $200 million to fund the initiative. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gathered officials at the meeting during the G20 group of developed nations’ foreign ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro this week and urged support for the initiative.
Blinken stressed the need to help the Haitian national police stabilize the security situation so that aid can effectively flow in and reach those in need. He highlighted the importance of ending the terror of gangs in Haiti and allowing the country to return to a strong democratic path.
A statement from the United States revealed that Canada, Benin, France, and Jamaica have announced their financial, personnel, and in-kind commitments to the mission during the meeting.
The United Nations Security Council authorized the MSS in October, a year after Haiti requested help to fight the violent gangs that have largely overtaken its capital, Port-au-Prince. Last year, gang violence in Haiti led to the deaths of nearly 5,000 people.
Reporter Simon Lewis contributed to this article.
