CARICOM Welcomes Multi-National Force to support Haiti

GEORGETOWN,  Guyana, August 4, 2023 - The Caribbean Community  says it welcomes the decision taken by the Governments of The Bahamas and Jamaica to join Kenya to contribute to a multi-national force in the Republic of Haiti to assist that nation to counter its security challenges.

In a statement today, the CARICOM Secretariat said The Caribbean Community hopes that the establishment of the multi-national force will be given full endorsement by the United Nations Security Council as a demonstration of the commitment of the international community to improve the security and humanitarian conditions of the people of Haiti and support restoration of law and order.

At their meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in July 2023, CARICOM Heads of Government again underscored their grave concern over the severe humanitarian, security and governance crises facing their sister Member State, Haiti.

The Caribbean Community reiterates its pledge to continue efforts to collaborate with the Haitian Government and all stakeholders to find a Haitian-led solution to the plight facing their nation.

Last Saturday, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua,  committed to deploying a contingent of 1,000 police officers to help train and assist Haitian police to restore normalcy in the country and protect strategic installations.

The Haitian nation which is a member state of the Caribbean Community CARICOM,  is suffering from a surge in gang violence and is in a deep security, political and humanitarian crisis.

“Kenya stands with persons of African descent across the world, including those in the Caribbean, and aligns with the African Union’s diaspora policy and our own commitment to Pan Africanism, and in this case to “reclaiming of the Atlantic crossing,” said Dr. Mutua.

“Kenya’s proposed deployment will crystalize once a mandate from the UN Security Council is obtained and other Kenyan constitutional processes are undertaken,” he pointed out.

Muta noted that an Assessment Mission by a Task Force of the Kenya Police is scheduled within the next few weeks, which will inform and guide the mandate and operational requirements of the Mission.

Dr Mutua also reiterated Kenya’s commitment to standing together with other African countries to help them achieve peace and stability including Sudan, Eastern DRC and Niger.

On Thursday, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness Confirmed that Jamaican troops will be dispatched to Haiti under the leadership of Kenya as soon as all is in place.

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