Kenya has affirmed that the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti will continue operating despite the United States freezing its pledged funding.
The U.S. had committed $15 million to the UN Trust Fund supporting the mission, of which $1.7 million had already been used, leaving $13.3 million now frozen. The United Nations (UN) confirmed the freeze on Tuesday, with UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stating the decision would affect pending aid.
Despite this, Kenya’s National Security Advisor, Ambassador Monica Juma, assured that the mission remains a priority and that the U.S. has granted a waiver for its continuation.
“It is true the U.S. contribution to the UN Trust Fund for MSS Haiti is on pause, affecting about $15 million in support,” Juma said. “It is also true that the MSS mission is a priority and a beneficiary of the waiver.”
Juma further noted that sufficient funds are still available from other countries, amounting to approximately $110 million, to sustain operations.
Although authorized by the UN Security Council, the Haiti mission is not a United Nations operation and relies on voluntary contributions from member states.
