Jamaica sends troops to Haiti to combat gang violence

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the deployment of 24 soldiers and police officers to Haiti to support a U.N.-backed mission aimed at combating gang violence. This contingent, consisting of 20 soldiers and four police officers, is set to arrive on Thursday and will work alongside nearly 400 Kenyan police already in Haiti. The Jamaican forces will focus on command, planning, and logistics support, as the country had previously pledged a total of 170 soldiers and 30 police officers, but logistical challenges have limited the initial deployment. The ongoing violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince and over 3,200 people killed between January and May. The situation has also resulted in more than half a million people being displaced. Holness emphasized the need for a successful operation, indicating that the deployment is part of a broader strategy to address the escalating crisis in Haiti. The U.N. has been facing challenges in funding the Kenyan-led mission, with only $68 million received out of the $85 million pledged. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the need for countries to take responsibility for funding the mission. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential for a U.N. peacekeeping operation to replace the current mission, although experts are skeptical about its approval by the U.N. Security Council. The overall mission aims to have around 2,500 personnel, with contributions from several countries, including the Bahamas and Bangladesh. The estimated cost of the mission is approximately $600 million annually, underscoring the significant financial resources required to stabilize the situation in Haiti.