The United States has informed the United Nations that it is freezing its funding for the UN-backed mission in Haiti, which is focused on combating the gangs attempting to take full control of the capital. The U.S. has been the largest contributor to the mission, which is led by Kenyan police and was launched last year.
This decision comes at a critical time, as the mission has been struggling with insufficient funding and a lack of personnel. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that the freeze in funding will have an immediate impact on the mission’s operations. The U.S. had previously committed $15 million to the trust fund that finances the multinational force, but that support will now be halted. The freeze adds further uncertainty to an already challenging mission in Haiti.
Mr. Dujarric said with $1.7 million of that already spent, $13.3 million is now frozen.
The move comes as US President Donald Trump imposes a sweeping freeze on foreign assistance, leading to thousands of US aid agency employees and contractors being laid off and programs worldwide shut down.
Haiti is currently facing an intense gang crisis that has destabilized much of the country, particularly the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gangs have become a dominant force, controlling large swaths of territory, including key urban areas, and contributing to rampant violence and insecurity. The crisis has escalated dramatically in recent years, fueled by political instability, a lack of law enforcement, and economic hardships.
The gangs, which are often heavily armed and organized, engage in violent activities such as kidnapping, extortion, and battles for territorial control. The violence has not only resulted in thousands of deaths but also left hundreds of thousands of people displaced. Over 5,600 people were killed last year alone, and more than a million have been forced to flee their homes.
The violence has severely impacted daily life in Haiti. In recent months, gunmen have attacked affluent neighborhoods, killing civilians and targeting key infrastructure. The gang control of vital roads and areas also hampers the delivery of aid, preventing relief from reaching the most affected populations.
