(Reuters) – The United States is in discussions about providing support to a multinational force led by Kenya in order to assist the Haitian police in their fight against armed gangs. This comes as Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. A State Department official stated on Friday that the U.S. contributions would be determined based on the assessment conducted by Kenya, which is expected to take place in the Haitian capital in the upcoming weeks. The United States has expressed its willingness to introduce a resolution at the UN Security Council to authorize the deployment of this force.
“We will be doing everything that we can to support that process and ensure swift passage of that resolution,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara Feinstein.
Feinstein also mentioned that the U.S. would be seeking contributions from countries worldwide, which could include personnel, equipment, training, financing, or other types of support. The recommendations provided in a UN report scheduled to be released on August 15 will likely shape the composition of the force.
Last year, Haiti’s government requested international security assistance, and the UN has repeatedly expressed its support for a security force in the country. However, no country had been willing to lead such an effort until Kenya offered to do so last week. Kenya has committed to contributing 1,000 police officers.
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti has resulted in nearly 200,000 people being internally displaced, particularly in the Ouest department. Residents face constant shootings, kidnappings, and sexual violence as rival gangs fight for control. Aid groups and food producers have struggled to deliver personnel and essential supplies to various parts of the country, leading to the closure of hospitals and leaving millions of people in famine-like conditions.
Barbara Feinstein emphasized that any assistance provided by the United States to the Haitian police would be given only to individuals who have been thoroughly vetted. In cases of human rights violations, steps would be taken to withdraw this assistance. She also highlighted the importance of political inclusion and the need to establish conditions for free elections, which remain urgent priorities.
(Reporting by Sarah Morland; editing by Grant McCool)
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