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Haitian Authorities Decry Inconsistent and Delays of Funding in Kenya Police-Led Mission

Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille meeting with the Kenyan Police officers after their arrival in the Caribbean nation
Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille meeting with the Kenyan Police officers after their arrival in the Caribbean nation
Photo
China Daily

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has raised concerns over the inconsistency and delays in funding for the Kenyan-led mission aimed at stabilising the country.

Conille warned that the lack of timely support could undermine the entire operation and erode the credibility of the transitional government.

Speaking on the challenging conditions faced by the Haitian population, Conille, a seasoned doctor and former UNICEF regional director, emphasised the urgent need for action. 

"People are living under very bad circumstances. So, they want to see action. They want to see movement," he stated.

Kenya Police patrolling Port-au-Prince in Haiti
Kenya Police patrolling Port-au-Prince in Haiti
Photo
Miami Herald

The mission, which has generated significant expectations among the Haitian populace, is seen as a crucial step towards restoring order in a nation grappling with political instability, economic woes, and widespread insecurity.

However, the Prime Minister expressed concern that these expectations could be shattered if the necessary resources are not provided swiftly.

"Unfortunately, the resources are not enough and not coming quickly enough. We understand that there are a lot of emergencies going on and there is heavy fatigue, but the good news is that there is hope," Conille remarked. 

He acknowledged the global challenges and the strain on international aid but stressed the importance of meeting the current needs in Haiti.

Conille also underscored the potential consequences of failing to meet the mission's funding requirements, stating that the expectations might be shattered. 

"The arrival of the Kenyans has created expectations, and we need to meet this expectation, or the whole system crumbles, including the credibility of the transitional government," he warned.

As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, the Prime Minister's comments are a reminder of the critical role that international support plays in the success of peacekeeping and stabilization efforts. 

"The concern is: Will we get the amount of resources we need so that this force can be deployed as quickly as possible, and that we can see in the next few weeks and months?" Conille questioned.

Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti Commander Godfrey Otunge is hopeful that the Kenyan-led deployment will be a success.

Explaining the strategy, Otunge stated that in other missions, they were given autonomy but in the assignment in Haiti, the local police were given full support so that they could carry on the fight even after other envoys departed the Caribbean country.

“Once we now reach the full operational capability of the mission, there will be nothing to worry about in the issue of gangs in this country,” Otunge told CNN.

The mission in Haiti is funded by the United States of America government among other donors.

Kenyan police officer during an operation in Haiti on July 17, 2024.
Kenyan police officer during an operation in Haiti on July 17, 2024.
Photo
AP
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