Recent reports claiming that the United States has suspended aid to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti were dismissed by the mission’s force commander, Inspector General of the Army (SAIG) Godfrey Otunge. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Otunge clarified that the mission remains a priority for the US government, despite circulating rumors to the contrary. He termed these reports as misinformation, emphasizing that structural adjustments following a transition in government are typical, but they do not indicate a halt in support for the mission.
The MSS mission, which is focused on combatting gang violence in Haiti, continues to receive strong backing from both the US and other international partners. Although the US is undergoing a 90-day review of its development assistance, Otunge assured that the mission is not affected, with all necessary operational mechanisms remaining in place. He explained that the only issue at hand is the temporary suspension of approximately $13 million, which the US had pledged to the UN MSS Trust Fund. This sum represents less than 3% of the mission’s ongoing financial support.
The Trust Fund remains funded to sustain the mission, and support from other contributing countries continues unabated. Otunge also confirmed that the US is still actively engaged, with support flights arriving almost daily, and both the US Department of Defense and Department of State continuing their involvement in MSS operations.
The confusion regarding aid suspension stemmed from reports suggesting that the US had frozen its financial contributions, citing an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump to reassess foreign aid spending. The Trump administration had indeed ordered a review of US humanitarian aid, but Otunge clarified that this review does not affect the MSS mission. He also dispelled claims that the US had halted its financial contributions to the mission, stating that the country remains a significant backer, even though it does not directly provide police officers for the mission.
The MSS mission’s operations are set to continue without disruption. Otunge pointed to the recent arrival of an El Salvador contingent on Tuesday and the anticipated arrival of a fourth Kenyan contingent on Thursday as evidence of the mission’s ongoing success. Additionally, CASEVAC and MEDEVAC helicopters from El Salvador are expected to arrive by the end of the week, further bolstering the mission’s operational capabilities.
In conclusion, the MSS mission in Haiti remains a crucial international effort, and despite the review of US development assistance, operations continue as planned with ongoing support from the US and other partner nations.
