US pledges $100 million in aid to Haiti's 'riot-quelling' force

During a meeting with Caribbean leaders in Jamaica to discuss the situation in Haiti, Mr. Blinken also announced an additional $33 million in humanitarian aid and presented a joint proposal agreed upon by Caribbean leaders and “all Haitian stakeholders to accelerate the political transition” and establish a special presidential council.

US pledges $100 million in aid to Haiti's humanitarian response — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and senior Jamaican leaders meet to discuss Haiti in Kingston, Jamaica on March 11, 2024. Photo: AP

He said the council would take “concrete steps” to meet the needs of the Haitian people and authorize the deployment of a Kenyan-led multinational force. Blinken also noted that the US Department of Defense had doubled its support for the mission, after previously spending $100 million.

The proposal has the support of CARICOM, a regional trade bloc that held an emergency meeting on Monday. “I think we can all agree: Haiti is on the brink of disaster,” said Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. “We must act quickly and decisively.”

Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: “It is clear that Haiti is now at a tipping point. We are deeply saddened that it is too late for so many people who have lost so much to criminal gangs.”

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry remains unable to return home and is facing calls to resign. He is believed to be in Puerto Rico and is taking steps to return to Haiti when possible.

Meanwhile in Haiti, Jimmy Chérizier, the country's most powerful gang leader, told reporters that if the international community continues on its current path, “it will plunge Haiti into further chaos.”

Powerful gangs are continuing to attack key government targets across Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Since February 29, gunmen have burned down police stations, shut down the main international airport and raided the country’s two largest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Dozens of people have been killed and more than 15,000 left homeless after fleeing neighborhoods raided by gangs. Food and water are running low. The main port in Port-au-Prince remains closed, leaving dozens of containers carrying vital goods stranded.

Late Monday, Haitian authorities announced they would extend a nighttime curfew until March 14 in an effort to prevent further attacks.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday called on gangs in Haiti to “immediately cease destabilizing activities,” including sexual violence and the recruitment of children, and said it hoped a multinational force would be deployed as soon as possible to help end the violence.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is calling for the urgent deployment of a multinational force that must be fully funded, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Official funding currently stands at just $10.8 million, while officials in Kenya have requested more than $230 million.

Bui Huy (according to AP)

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