• The U.S. has frozen $13.3 million in funding for the UN-backed mission to combat gang violence in Haiti.
• 200 additional Kenyan police officers have arrived, joining over 600 already in the country.
• The halt in funding poses a challenge for the mission amid escalating gang violence controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince.

NEW YORK: The United States has taken significant steps to halt its financial support for a UN-backed mission in Haiti aimed at fighting rampant gang violence. According to India Times, the U.S. administration notified the United Nations about a freeze on $13.3 million in funding, which had been earmarked for the mission led by Kenyan police. This development comes amidst a broader freeze on U.S. foreign assistance announced by President Trump, causing significant concern among humanitarian officials.

Despite the funding freeze, the situation in Haiti remains dire, with ongoing gang violence continuing to escalate. A recent report reveals that gangs already exert control over 85% of Port-au-Prince, which has become increasingly dangerous. The local police force is heavily outnumbered and under-resourced, a reality acknowledged by U.N. expert William O'Neill, who noted that the mission plays a critical role in establishing security in this troubled nation. “The Haitian National Police are outnumbered and outgunned by the gangs,” he stated in comments reported by AP News.

In response to the growing crisis, an additional 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on Thursday, joining more than 600 officers already deployed as part of a multinational force, as reported by Voice of America. This contingent aims to bolster the efforts to restore order and security in the capital city, severely affected by gang violence. Godfrey Otunge, the mission's force commander, stated that the frozen U.S. funds represent a small percentage of the overall mission budget, accounting for less than 3%. He emphasized that the U.S. and partner countries continue to offer logistical and financial support.

The humanitarian situation in Haiti has reached new lows, with nearly 6,000 people reported killed last year due to gang-related violence. The ongoing chaos and instability are causing mass displacement, with nearly 1 million people fleeing their homes in search of safety. The UN has warned that without urgent and sustained support for the multinational force, the situation could deteriorate further. "More stability in Haiti will reduce the pressure to migrate," O'Neill emphasized.

The arrival of these Kenyan forces adds a critical layer of support at a time when local authorities face unparalleled challenges. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently thanked Kenyan President William Ruto for their leadership role in the mission, recognizing the collaborative effort required to bring peace to Haiti.