The US Embassy in Haiti has clarified that the US Government has not entirely halted assistance for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. This comes after concerns arose regarding the status of US contributions to the mission.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 6, the US Embassy confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved waivers for $40.7 million (5.2 billion KES) in mission-critical aid directed towards the MSS mission and the Haitian National Police (HNP).
“The Department of State approved waivers for $40.7 million in foreign assistance to benefit the HNP and MSS mission. This includes logistical contracts to support forward operating bases, a vehicle maintenance contract to support the MSS mission fleet, a medical services contract for the HNP, and transportation services for Department of State-provided equipment deliveries, as well as contracts that support subject matter experts with the HNP,” the statement read.
Delivery of Armored Equipment to Haiti
As of Wednesday, February 5, the US Government had delivered essential heavy armored equipment to both the MSS mission and the Haitian National Police in Port-au-Prince, reinforcing its commitment to security assistance in the region.
The US Embassy further highlighted that the funds currently on hold account for less than 3% of the total financial aid the US government is providing directly to the MSS mission.
“The $15 million provided in total to the Trust Fund represents less than 3% of the total funds that the United States is providing directly to support the MSS mission,” the statement added.
US Freezes Contribution to the UN Trust Fund
Despite the continued support, the United Nations confirmed that the US Government had officially requested a freeze on its contribution to the MSS mission. On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced the receipt of an official notification from the US requesting an “immediate stop work order” on their contribution.
“We received an official notification from the US asking for an immediate stop work order on their contribution to the multinational security support force,” Dujarric stated.
Kenya Responds: Sufficient Funds to Continue the MSS Mission
In response to the freeze, Kenya’s National Security Advisor, Ambassador Monica Juma, assured that there are adequate funds within the United Nations Trust Fund to sustain the MSS mission. She acknowledged the $15 million pause but emphasized that the mission remains a priority.
“It is true the US contribution to the UN Trust Fund for MSS Haiti is on pause, affecting about $15 million in support. It is also true that the MSS mission is a priority and a beneficiary of the waiver. Meanwhile, there are sufficient funds in the UN Trust Fund for Haiti from other countries (approximately $110 million) to continue operations,” Juma confirmed.
Conclusion
Despite the temporary freeze on a portion of the US Government’s contribution, the Kenyan-led MSS mission in Haiti continues to receive substantial support. The approval of $40.7 million in waivers and the recent delivery of armored equipment reinforce the US commitment to security efforts in the region. With additional funding from other countries within the UN Trust Fund, the mission remains operational and on track.
