Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille discussed with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the UN General Assembly about the security crisis in Haiti, worsened by gang violence. Both leaders addressed Jamaica’s upcoming troop deployment as part of a Kenya-led security mission to restore peace in Haiti after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.
Haiti is grappling with severe instability, particularly due to rising gang violence that has incited waves of displacement in affected neighborhoods such as Delmas 24 and Solino in early May 2024. In a bid to establish a semblance of governance amidst these challenges, the transitional ruling council appointed Edgard Leblanc Fils as its leader on April 30, 2024, shortly after being sworn in. As political leaders from across the region convene at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Garry Conille of Haiti engaged in proactive discussions with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness regarding the precarious security situation in their nation. Both leaders acknowledged Jamaica’s commitment to deploying troops to join the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission, which aims to restore order following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Conille expressed optimism for the influx of support, saying, “I was pleased to discuss with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica the continued deployment in the coming weeks of Jamaican troops to be part of the mission in Haiti and the equipment promised, particularly to help protect the bay of Port-au-Prince.” Meanwhile, Holness reiterated Jamaica’s dedication to supporting Haiti’s stability through expanded aid to re-establish normalcy in the country. Additionally, Kenyan President William Ruto, who is leading the mission, indicated the deployment of more troops from Kenya as the initiative evolves into a more robust UN peacekeeping operation.
The backdrop of this discussion is Haiti’s dire socio-political landscape, marked by escalating violence from armed gangs that have left communities traumatized and in need of security. The establishment of a transitional ruling council is a crucial step toward stabilizing the nation, which has endured significant political upheaval following the violent assassination of its previous president. International support, including from Jamaican and Kenyan forces, is deemed essential in restoring order and promoting peace in a country that has seen its governance systems deteriorate over the years.
In summary, the meetings between Prime Minister Garry Conille and Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlight a significant diplomatic effort to fortify Haiti’s security through collective regional support. With Jamaica poised to contribute troops to the Multinational Security Support mission, this collaboration aims at ameliorating the conditions in Haiti, fostering a pathway towards stability and governance in the face of rampant violence and civil unrest.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
