Suriname pledges troops to upcoming UN security mission in Haiti
PARAMARIBO, Suriname, (CMC) – The Suriname government has pledged personnel support to the Kenya-led United Nations multilateral security mission expected to be deployed in Haiti to help restore order and security in that French-speaking Caribbean country.
Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister, Albert Ramdin, who took part in discussions on the Haitian situation in New York last Friday, said that it has not yet been determined whether the Suriname contingent will consist of police officers or soldiers, or a combination of both.
“We are still waiting for the operational implementation. That will determine what type of security personnel and how many,” he said.
Kenya has presented a plan to the UN that amounts to implementing a three-part security mission. It includes operational support to the Haitian police to combat criminal gangs, ensuring static security of key installations and passageways, and strengthening the police force for the long term.
The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica have already pledged to support the multi-national force that is still awaiting support in the form of a resolution from the United Nations Security Council.
READ: PM confirms Jamaica ready to send soldiers to Haiti
Last week, Haitian Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry in an address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) called for a “tangible lasting“ solution to the crisis in his homeland as he urged the international community to answer the call for a peacekeeping force.
Ariel, who heads the interim government following the July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovennel Moise, has in the past called on the international community to send in a multi-national force to maintain peace and security in the country.
The United States has pledged to provide US$100 million towards the multi-national force, but would not be sending troops to the Caribbean island.