Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-31 04:53:48
The Canadian government made an important announcement on Saturday, March 30, regarding the deployment of soldiers to train troops from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in preparation for a peacekeeping mission in Haiti. A total of 70 troops from Canada’s Armed Forces will be deployed to Jamaica for this training.
The training will take place at the request of the Jamaican government, with the aim of preparing military personnel from CARICOM nations for deployment to Haiti as part of the United Nations-authorized, Kenyan-led, Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The troops selected for this mission will be drawn from the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment from Valcartier, Quebec, a mechanized infantry battalion known for its ability to operate effectively in various operational environments.
The crisis in Haiti has escalated, necessitating strong support from international partners like Canada. The Canadian Armed Forces will provide training on core peacekeeping skills, combat first aid, and conduct validation and integration exercises for the troops involved in Operation HELIOS. This training will last approximately one month, with around 330 CARICOM troops from Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas expected to participate.
Operation HELIOS seeks to enhance the capacity of CARICOM nations to engage in United Nations missions and will cover essential topics such as the protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence. This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting the people of Haiti and assisting in the restoration of peace and security in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, expressed Canada’s dedication to helping Haiti and thanked the Canadian Armed Forces for their support in the deployment of the MSS mission. She emphasized the importance of Haitian-led solutions to the ongoing crises affecting the country and pledged to continue engaging with international partners to strengthen Haiti’s security.
Canada had previously announced an investment of Ksh8.2 billion (80.5 million) towards the multinational security support mission in Haiti. This financial commitment underscores Canada’s ongoing support for stability and security in the region.
Overall, Canada’s involvement in training CARICOM troops for the peacekeeping mission in Haiti demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the Caribbean region. The collaboration between Canada, CARICOM nations, and other international partners is crucial in addressing the complex challenges facing Haiti and supporting its path towards peace and prosperity.
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