The US Embassy in Haiti has revealed that the US Government has not paused all assistance for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.
In a statement on Thursday, February 6, the US Embassy noted that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved waivers for $40.7 million (5.2 billion) in mission-critical assistance to the MSS mission and Haitian National Police (HNP).
“The Department of State approved waivers for $40.7 million in foreign assistance to benefit the HNP and MSS mission.
“This includes logistical contracts to support forward operating bases, a vehicle maintenance contract to support the MSS mission fleet, a medical services contract for the HNP, and transportation services for Department of State provided equipment deliveries, and contracts that support subject matter experts with the HNP,” read the statement in part.
The Embassy noted that as of Wednesday, February 5, the US Government delivered much-needed heavy armored equipment to the MSS mission and HNP in Port-au-Prince.
Read More
Further, the US Embassy pointed out that the funds put on pause represent less than 3% of the total funds the US government directly provides to the MSS mission.
“The $15 million provided in total to the Trust Fund represents less than 3% of the total funds that the United States is providing directly to support the MSS mission,” the US Embassy added.
UN secretary-general's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday announced they had received an official notification from the US Government to freeze contribution to the MSS mission.
“We received an official notification from the US asking for an immediate stop work order on their contribution to the multinational security support force,” said Dujarric.
President William Ruto’s National Security Advisor Ambassador Monica Juma in response said there were sufficient funds in the United Nations Trust Fund to continue the MSS mission in Haiti.
“It is true the U.S. contribution to the UN Trust Fund for MSS Haiti is on pause, affecting about $15M in support. It is also true that the MSS mission is a priority and a beneficiary of the waiver. Meanwhile, there are sufficient funds in the UN Trust Fund for Haiti from other countries (approx.. $110M) to continue operations,” said Juma.
