Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-26 06:26:31
Canada, following in the footsteps of the United States and the European Union bloc, recently made the decision to airlift its nationals from Haiti as the situation in the Caribbean nation worsened. In contrast, Kenya is planning to send its citizens to Haiti once a functional government is established. The Canadian government announced its decision to assist fleeing Canadians on March 25, with the intention to launch an evacuation operation for its citizens stuck in Haiti.
Despite the initial plans, the operation faced challenges due to poor weather conditions, preventing the airlifting of Canadian nationals to the neighboring Dominican Republic. As a result, the operation had to be postponed until more favorable conditions prevailed. The safety of the individuals was paramount, and the decision was made to suspend the operation to ensure their well-being.
The United States had also taken steps to assist its nationals in Haiti by introducing chartered flights for American citizens fleeing the turbulent nation. The US State Department announced the arrangement of a charter flight for US citizens from Cap-Haitien to the United States, contingent on the security situation in the region. This was part of the efforts to ensure the safety of American citizens amidst the escalating crisis in Haiti.
Interestingly, US government officials and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached out to President William Ruto of Kenya seeking assurance that Kenya would fulfill its commitment to send security officers to Haiti. In a call on March 9, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken received assurances from President Ruto regarding the deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti. Subsequently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged Ksh8.2 billion to support Kenya in carrying out the mission.
The deployment of Kenyan troops to Haiti signifies a significant commitment to uphold peace and security in the troubled nation. Despite the reluctance of two of the most powerful armies in the world to engage in the conflict, Kenya is prepared to contribute its resources and personnel to efforts to stabilize the situation in Haiti.
In conclusion, the actions taken by Canada, the United States, and Kenya reflect a global commitment to address the crisis in Haiti and support the safety and well-being of citizens in the region. As the situation in Haiti continues to evolve, it is essential for international cooperation and assistance to play a critical role in ensuring peace and stability in the nation.
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