US Pledges $100 Million Boost to Haiti’s Security Force Amidst Soaring Violence

The US had announced its intention to  contribute an additional $100m (£78m) to an international security force in Haiti as violence grips the country.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said nations were “coming together in a positive direction” over the crisis following emergency talks on Monday.

The proposed US contribution to the security force now stands at $300m following Blinken’s announcement, with an additional $33m allocated for humanitarian aid.

The UN-backed force is expected to be led by Kenya after earlier domestic legal challenges appear to have been overcome.

Speaking after talks with Caribbean leaders in Kingston on Monday, Blinken said Haiti was facing a “critical moment” and that he hoped progress would be made.

Plans for a swift political transition were also on the agenda during the talks in Jamaica. 

The Caricom group of Caribbean countries, led by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, expressed confidence in finding a common path to support a Haitian-led solution.

Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme sounded the alarm, warning that nearly 1.5 million people in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, are on the brink of famine. 

This marks the country’s most significant humanitarian crisis since the devastating 2010 earthquake that claimed the lives of 200,000 people.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has entered the fray, asserting his ability to “fix” the crisis. While details remain scarce, Bukele emphasized the necessity of any plan being accompanied by a UN resolution and Haitian consent.

As the international community rallies to address Haiti’s multifaceted challenges, the focus remains on fostering a Haitian-led solution, providing both security and essential humanitarian aid to a nation in dire need.

Chioma Kalu

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