Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President William Ruto of Kenya engaged in discussions on Wednesday, March 13, regarding the intensifying turmoil in Haiti following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
In their meeting, both leaders acknowledged the necessity for multinational assistance to quell the unrest in the conflict-ridden nation.
They commended the political consensus achieved between a coalition of Caribbean nations and various stakeholders, including Western governments.
Trudeau pledged Canada’s support for the mission led by Kenya, promising a contribution of Ksh8.2 billion ($80.5 million) to address the escalating disorder and gang dominance in Haiti.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister, Trudeau underscored Canada’s commitment to provide financial aid and emphasized the importance of other international partners deploying personnel to maintain order and safeguard the Haitian populace.
This financial commitment from Canada followed closely on the heels of the United States announcement of an additional Ksh14 billion in funding to support the deployment of troops to Haiti.
According to a statement by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Monday, March 11, this supplementary funding aimed to facilitate the multinational force’s deployment.
Despite encountering obstacles such as legal challenges and the resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister, efforts to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti are ongoing.
President Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki affirmed their dedication to the mission despite these challenges.
President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to leading the mission during a conversation with Secretary Blinken, assuring him of Kenya’s readiness to restore peace and security in Haiti once the Presidential Council is established through an agreed-upon process.
Meanwhile, Haitian locals express optimism that the mission will ultimately result in peace.
