Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has raised alarms over significant delays in funding for the Kenyan-led mission aimed at stabilizing Haiti. He cautioned that these delays not only threaten the operation’s success but also risk undermining the credibility of Haiti’s transitional government.
Speaking on the issue, Conille emphasized the dire living conditions in Haiti, where citizens are increasingly desperate for tangible progress. “People are living under very difficult conditions. They want to see tangible action and progress,” Conille remarked. He acknowledged the global challenges straining international aid but stressed that Haiti’s needs cannot be overlooked. “Unfortunately, the resources are insufficient and not arriving quickly enough. While we understand the numerous global emergencies and the strain on international aid, there is still hope.”
Conille underscored the high stakes involved, noting that unmet expectations could lead to significant setbacks. He highlighted the arrival of Kenyan forces, which had raised hopes among Haitians, and warned that failure to deliver on these expectations could collapse the entire system, including the government’s credibility.
On August 8, Conille addressed international partners at a crucial forum held at the Montana Hotel, with Canadian Ambassador to Haiti André François Giroux presiding. The meeting aimed to ensure coordinated action among the international actors supporting Haiti’s security sector.
Giroux reinforced the importance of the Kenyan-led mission and urged all parties to provide full support. Conille echoed this call, particularly emphasizing the need to bolster the Haitian National Police (HNP), who are facing severe resource constraints.
As Haiti approaches its general elections next year, Conille stressed the importance of ensuring security to facilitate free and fair elections. MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, leading the mission, also called for the timely delivery of additional equipment to support ongoing operations against gang activity.
Otunge reassured that efforts to restore peace would continue, expressing commitment to aiding the HNP in reclaiming government infrastructure from gang control. He acknowledged the support received so far and expressed optimism for further assistance in the mission’s critical stages.
