Benin Mulls Substantial Aid: 2,000 Troops for Haiti’s Battle
The Republic of Benin has committed to deploying 2,000 troops to Haiti as part of a multinational peacekeeping force to assist the Caribbean nation’s police in combating armed gangs. The announcement was made by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, during a press conference in Guyana.
This commitment comes in the wake of the United States pledging $200 million in support, marking a significant international effort to restore peace and democracy in Haiti without direct military intervention. The United Nations had authorized the mission in October, responding to a request from Haiti’s unelected government.
The support for the security forces, based on voluntary contributions, has primarily come from developing African and Caribbean nations. Kenya was the first African nation to respond, pledging to lead the mission with 1,000 police officers. However, a local court later deemed the move unconstitutional. President William Ruto has affirmed his commitment to proceed with the plan despite this setback.
The multinational effort underscores the collective commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by Haiti, particularly in dealing with armed gangs. The involvement of Benin, along with other contributing nations, reflects a collaborative approach to peacekeeping and stability in the region.
Notably, some Caribbean countries that had pledged support have called for additional Francophone nations to join the initiative, emphasizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive multinational force. The international community’s response to Haiti’s plea for assistance highlights the shared responsibility to foster security and stability in nations facing complex challenges.
