The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, led by Kenya, will continue its operations despite a recent freeze on U.S. funding. This announcement was made by Monica Juma, the National Security Advisor to the President, after the United States halted its contribution of $15 million to the UN Trust Fund. The freeze is part of a broader 90-day foreign aid suspension imposed by the U.S. government.
In a statement shared on the X platform, Juma assured the public that the mission will persist with the backing of $110 million in support from other donor countries. She confirmed that the operations would continue without disruption, as the mission remains a priority, even with the pause in U.S. funding.
“The U.S. contribution to the UN Trust Fund for MSS Haiti is on pause, affecting about $15 million in support. It is also true that the MSS mission is a priority and a beneficiary of the waiver,” Juma stated. The MSS mission, which involves deploying Kenyan personnel alongside officers from Guatemala, Jamaica, El Salvador, the Bahamas, Belize, and other nations, is part of a broader international effort to stabilize Haiti amidst growing violence and unrest.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized the significance of the mission, noting that the UN Trust Fund, established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699 in October 2023, had received substantial pledges from several countries, including the U.S., Canada, France, Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Algeria. As of the end of 2024, $110.3 million had been pledged, with $85 million already received, ensuring the mission’s financial stability despite the temporary hold on U.S. funds.
While the U.S. government’s decision to pause funding due to a presidential directive has raised concerns, Mwaura reassured that the Trust Fund remains well-resourced, with enough funds to support the mission through to the end of September 2025. The freeze on U.S. aid is not expected to derail the MSS mission’s objectives, which include assisting Haiti’s National Police in securing the nation and addressing its ongoing security challenges.
As part of this mission, over 600 Kenyan officers have been deployed to Haiti, playing a crucial role in efforts to restore stability in the Caribbean nation. Despite the funding setback, Kenya remains committed to its leadership role in the MSS mission, with other nations also stepping up their support to ensure its continued success.
