The United States has announced an additional $65 million in aid to support Haiti's police force and has called on the UN Security Council to formally endorse the deployment of a multinational security mission to assist the country in combatting gang violence. During a meeting in New York to address the security situation in Haiti, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the mission, led by Kenya, could be deployed "within months". Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that "we really have no time to lose".

Haiti requested assistance last year in dealing with violent gangs that have taken control of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The Security Council is expected to vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution supporting the deployment of a multinational police force as early as next week. While the U.S. will not be providing troops, Blinken announced that the Biden administration will collaborate with Congress to allocate $100 million for logistical and financial support to the mission. This may include intelligence support, airlift capabilities, communication systems, and medical assistance.

The $65 million in aid announced on Friday will be used to strengthen the capacity of the Haitian police in dismantling the gangs. Additionally, the U.S. will impose visa bans on former and current Haitian officials who are believed to be enabling the violence. The U.S. supports Kenya's proposal for a three-part security mission, which includes assisting the Haitian police, ensuring security for key installations and routes, and enhancing law enforcement in the long term.

Kenyan President William Ruto addressed the General Assembly on Thursday, stressing the importance of not abandoning Haiti. He stated, "We must not leave Haiti behind." Many countries have been hesitant to support the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has argued that fair elections cannot be held in the current climate of insecurity. Haiti has been without elected representatives since January.

Prime Minister Henry reiterated his commitment to holding elections as soon as possible, acknowledging that security in Haiti has reached a critical point. He pleaded for assistance in allowing Haitians to remain in their homes and strengthening the national police force. The leader of Haiti's most powerful gang recently called for the armed overthrow of Henry's government, urging citizens to take to the streets.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a report to the Security Council last month, emphasized the need for a multinational police deployment and the use of military assets to restore law and order in Haiti and disarm the gangs. Biden echoed these sentiments during his address at the UN General Assembly, urging the Security Council to authorize the security support mission without delay. The request for an international mission to Haiti had previously received support from the U.S. and the UN, but the deployment has faced obstacles as no country had agreed to lead the mission until now.

Blinken's announcement of a potential Kenya-led, international security mission deploying in the coming months has brought renewed hope for stability in Haiti. The United States is urging the international community to pledge personnel, equipment, logistics, training, and funding to support the mission. The U.S. is working with Ecuador to draft a resolution for the Security Council's authorization. The surge in gang violence in Haiti has escalated in recent years following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, which left a power vacuum in the country.