The US Embassy in Haiti has announced that the United States Government has not suspended all aid to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 6, the US Embassy highlighted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorized waivers for $40.7 million (5.2 billion) in essential assistance for 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 for 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 supporting subject matter experts with the HNP,” read the statement in part.
As of Wednesday, February 5, the US Government has delivered crucial heavy armored equipment to the MSS mission and HNP in Port-au-Prince.
Additionally, the US Embassy clarified that the funds on hold represent less than 3% of the total US government funds allocated 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 US Embassy added.
UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced on Tuesday that they had received an official notification from the US Government to halt its contribution to the MSS mission.
“We received an official notification from the US asking for an immediate stop work order on their contribution to the multinational security support force,” said Dujarric.
In response, President William Ruto’s National Security Advisor, Ambassador Monica Juma, assured that there are sufficient funds in the United Nations Trust Fund to continue the MSS mission in Haiti.
“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 (approx. $110 million) to continue operations,” said Juma.
