Canada has pledged to provide Sh8.2 billion for the Kenyan-led mission to restore peace in Haiti.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President William Ruto on Wednesday held a discussion 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 chaos in the conflict-ridden nation. They commended the political consensus reached between the coalition of Caribbean nations and various stakeholders, including Western governments.
To address the escalating unrest and gang dominance in Haiti, Trudeau pledged Canada’s support to the Kenya-led mission with a contribution of Ksh8.2 billion ($80.5 million).
“Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted that Canada will contribute $80.5 million to the MSS mission and noted Canada’s ongoing efforts to support Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members as they prepare to participate in the mission,” read part of the statement issued by the Prime Minister.
Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to the mission, highlighting ongoing efforts to aid members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in readiness for participation.
The financial commitment from Canada follows a similar gesture from the United States, which offered an additional Ksh14 billion to support troops dispatched to Haiti.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken explained that the additional funding was intended to facilitate the deployment of a multinational force to the troubled nation.
President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to leading the mission during a phone conversation with Secretary Blinken, underscoring Kenya’s dedication to restoring peace and security in Haiti.
” I assured Secretary Blinken that Kenya will take leadership of the UN Security Support Mission in Haiti to restore peace and security in Haiti as soon as the Presidential Council is in place under an agreed process,” said Ruto.
