Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-13 15:51:03
United States President Joe Biden has recently approved the release of Ksh7 billion ($60 million) for the Haiti mission following the announcement of a new presidential transitional council in the war-torn nation. The allocated funds are designated for acquiring military equipment and providing training for Kenyan police officers who are expected to participate in the multinational mission.
The decision from President Biden came shortly after the formal unveiling of a nine-member presidential transitional council, which is poised to assume control after Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation. Matthew Miller, the US Spokesperson for the State Department, confirmed the directive and conveyed greetings on behalf of the United States regarding the formation of the transitional council.
“The United States is increasing support for the Haitian security forces to enhance their capabilities as they work to protect their country,” Miller affirmed. Despite the release of the Ksh7 billion, it falls short of the initially promised amount of Ksh39 billion ($300 million) required for the comprehensive project. The efforts by the United Nations and the United States to establish a trust fund to raise funds for the mission have faced challenges, with only $10.8 million collected out of the pledges made by various nations.
It is notable that the US Congress initially withheld the funds as they sought clarification on the mission’s specifics. There were also concerns raised about whether Kenyan courts would authorize the deployment of police officers to Haiti. In a separate development, President William Ruto expressed his approval of the formal establishment of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council. He commended the Council for their bravery and dedication to ensuring a peaceful environment in Haiti.
“We anticipate the swift appointment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet by the PTC,” President Ruto remarked in a statement. He also conveyed Kenya’s confidence in the new political leadership to pave the way for resolving the crisis in Haiti, restoring security, and facilitating a smooth political transition for the Haitian people.
Overall, the release of funds by the United States for the Haiti mission demonstrates a commitment to supporting the security forces in the country and fostering stability amid challenging circumstances. The collaboration between nations and the efforts to mobilize resources for the mission underscore the collective determination to address the urgent needs of the Haitian population and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future for the nation.
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