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Kenya has downplayed concerns over the impact of a U.S. funding freeze on the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, stating that sufficient resources remain to sustain operations.
Kenyan government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said Wednesday that the mission, which Kenya leads, has enough funds to operate until September 2025, despite the United States withholding $15 million in committed aid.
Mwaura described claims that the U.S. decision would cripple the MSS as “false and lacking any factual basis.” He emphasized that the mission continues to receive financial support from other international contributors, including funds managed by the United Nations.
The MSS, authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023, is backed by a trust fund with contributions from multiple countries. Participating nations in the deployment include Guatemala, Jamaica, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Belize.
Additionally, commitments made at the end of 2024 secured $110.3 million in pledged support from countries such as Canada, France, Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Algeria. Of that amount, $85 million has already been disbursed, with “substantial contributions” from the U.S. prior to the freeze.
The freeze on U.S. aid stems from an executive order by former President Donald Trump, temporarily halting foreign humanitarian assistance for 90 days. The directive aims to review U.S. aid spending, including funds allocated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
This decision appears to contrast with recent statements by Kenyan President William Ruto, who previously asserted that Trump’s administration supported the MSS mission.
The MSS was initially deployed to assist Haiti’s National Police in combating gang violence. The United Nations reported that in 2024, at least 5,601 people were killed due to gang-related violence, a significant increase from the previous year. Additionally, 2,212 were injured, and 1,494 were kidnapped.
The U.S. suspension of funds adds further uncertainty to a mission already facing logistical and financial challenges. However, Kenyan officials insist that international partnerships will keep the operation running in the short term.
The situation in Haiti remains critical, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a potential “catastrophic” collapse of the country’s security institutions if international support falters.
