The United States has frozen over $13 million (Sh1.7 billion) in funding for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission in Haiti following President Donald Trump’s recent decision to pause foreign aid for 90 days. The unexpected move has raised concerns over the mission’s ability to restore order in Haiti, a country plagued by escalating gang violence and political instability.
United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed on Tuesday that the US had initially pledged $15 million to the security mission’s trust fund. However, with $1.7 million already spent, the remaining $13.3 million is now inaccessible following Washington’s directive. “We received an official notification from the US asking for an immediate stop work order on their contribution,” Dujarric stated.
The security mission, which was sanctioned by the UN Security Council but remains independent of the organization, depends on voluntary contributions. While Canada has emerged as the largest donor, having contributed over half of the $110 million collected so far, other nations have been hesitant due to donor fatigue.
Kenya, which pledged 1,000 police officers, has led the operation alongside contingents from El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize. Currently, nearly 900 personnel are on the ground in Haiti. However, the mission is significantly underfunded, operating with only a fraction of the planned 2,500 security personnel.
The aid freeze aligns with Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, which prioritizes domestic interests over international commitments. Just hours after his inauguration on January 20, Trump ordered a sweeping review of foreign aid programs to determine their alignment with his administration’s goals.
The suspension of US funding has already had tangible consequences in Haiti. According to the Miami Herald, clinics providing HIV/AIDS treatment have been forced to shut down, while security advisers assisting both the Haiti National Police and the Kenya-led mission have been laid off. The decision has also created uncertainty about whether Washington will continue to support the operation financially in the future.
Despite the setback, diplomatic signals from Washington suggest a potential shift in stance. During his Senate confirmation hearing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti mission and expressed appreciation for its role. However, neither Rubio nor Trump has confirmed whether the US will reinstate funding.
Haiti remains in a deep crisis, with over 5,600 people killed by gang violence in 2023 alone. The growing humanitarian emergency, coupled with political instability, underscores the critical need for sustained international support. Whether the Kenya-led mission can continue its efforts without US backing remains to be seen.
