Jamaican Prime Minister announced that Jamaica will be sending 20 soldiers and four police officers to Haiti to bolster a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya aimed at combating violent gangs. The Jamaican troops are set to arrive on Thursday and will be working alongside nearly 400 Kenyan police officers already in Haiti, as well as local law enforcement and military personnel.
The Jamaican contingent will be responsible for providing command, planning, and logistics support to the mission. While Jamaica had pledged a larger number of troops, logistical constraints necessitated a staggered deployment to ensure operational success.
The decision to send Jamaican troops comes amidst concerns raised by the U.S. government regarding the funding and personnel shortages facing the current mission. The U.N. and Ecuador have proposed a draft resolution for a potential peacekeeping operation to replace the existing mission, although approval by the U.N. Security Council remains uncertain.
Jamaican Prime Minister emphasized that the mission in Haiti is a crucial but complex endeavor, acknowledging that it is not a definitive solution to the country's security challenges. Haiti has been grappling with widespread gang violence, with reports indicating that gangs control a significant portion of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have caused thousands of casualties and displacements.
Overall, the mission is expected to involve a total of 2,500 personnel, with several countries, including the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad, pledging support. However, deployment timelines and dynamics have been affected by evolving circumstances, including shifts in U.S. policy.
The mission is estimated to require approximately $600 million annually, with current funding falling short of the pledged amount. The U.S. and Canada have been the primary contributors to date, underscoring the need for additional support to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
