US Congress Blocks Funding for Kenya’s Mission in Haiti
In what can be termed as a huge stumbling block to Kenya’s deployment of its police to Haiti, the United States legislature has reportedly declined President Joe Biden’s move to release millions to fund the mission.
According to reports, the halt of the funding has been instigated by the chairperson of the House of Representatives alongside a top Republican on Senate Foreign Relations, who have both halted the $40 million requested by the US State Department.
The legislators have told the US administration they need a lot more details concerning the mission before approving the funds’ release.
The lawmakers also faulted President Joe Biden’s administration for only issuing them a rough plan to address their inquiries.
They further expressed concerns about whether Kenyan courts would allow the deployment and whether the Kenyan police officers could get to Port-au-Prince.
A report by members of the United States Congress noted that the money being held could prevent the deployment of the Kenyan police force to Haiti unless another country steps up to fill in the gap.
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Nonetheless, the officials noted that the State Department was engaging with Congress on approval for the funds despite the loggerheads.
The US Secretary Antony Blinken recently announced at talks in Jamaica that the US government would boost its pledge to $300 million for the mission.
America’s new move to halt the funds comes a day after Canada pledged Ksh8.2 billion to support the Kenyan police mission to Haiti.
This is after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a discussion with President William Ruto about the escalating chaos in Haiti following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
“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.
The Prime Minister also called on other international partners to provide much-needed support, especially by deploying officers to quell the chaos and protect the Haitian people.
US Congress Blocks Funding for Kenya’s Mission in Haiti
