Reaffirming its dedication to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, the United States government has alleviated worries about a possible funding freeze that had created doubts about the peacekeeping operation’s future.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the US Embassy in Nairobi issued a statement underscoring the Trump administration’s unwavering support for the mission.
The message from the US Embassy in Haiti was amplified by the embassy’s post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting ongoing American financial and logistical support for security efforts in the beleaguered Caribbean nation.
In a phone conversation with President William Ruto, the new Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed America’s commitment to the Haiti mission, as noted by the US Embassy in Nairobi.
“The United States continues to support the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. As @SecRubio
said in his call with President Ruto on January 27, we are grateful for Kenya’s leadership of this mission,” the US Embassy in Nairobi stated.
Previously, the US Embassy in Haiti declared that America’s backing of the MSS mission was steadfast and would not be influenced by the funding freeze being introduced by Washington.
“The United States has not paused all assistance for the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. On the contrary, the Secretary Rubio approved waivers to allow for millions of dollars in mission critical assistance to the MSS mission and Haitian National Police (HNP),” US Embassy Haiti stated.
The US Department of State has approved waivers for $40.7 million in foreign assistance, as reported by America’s embassy in Haiti, thereby guaranteeing ongoing logistical and operational support for the MSS mission.
“Waivers for $40.7 million in foreign assistance aimed at benefiting the HNP and MSS mission were approved by the Department of State. This encompasses logistical contracts for forward operating bases, a vehicle maintenance contract for the MSS mission fleet, a medical services contract for the HNP, transportation services for Department of State equipment deliveries, and contracts supporting subject matter experts with the HNP,” the embassy noted.
Moreover, the US government emphasized its continued material support for the mission, pointing out that on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the United States provided essential heavy armored equipment to the MSS mission and HNP in Port-au-Prince.
The US Embassy Haiti reported, “Just yesterday, the US provided essential heavy armored equipment to the MSS mission and HNP in Port-au-Prince.”
It was added that, “The UN Secretary General announced the implementation of the remaining $13.3 million funds provided by the United States to the UN Trust Fund has been paused. The total of $15 million allocated to the Trust Fund accounts for under 3% of the overall funds that the United States is directly providing to support the MSS mission.”
Amid worries regarding the US funding freeze, supplementary forces from four other nations became part of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) operation in Haiti.
The National Police Service (NPS) has announced the deployment of extra troops from Belize, Jamaica, Guatemala, and the Bahamas.
NPS provided an update on X on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, stating that Godfrey Otunge, the head of the MSS mission, received the troops from four countries on Tuesday.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, while speaking to the press on February 6, 2025, denied allegations regarding the US government ceasing its financial support for the peace mission in Haiti, which is affected by conflict.
He assured that the American government continues to prioritize the peace mission in Haiti and that efforts to restore peace are ongoing.
