Belize Deploys Officers to Jamaica for Haiti Security Mission

The Belize Defence Force has announced the deployment of two senior officers to Jamaica, marking a significant step in the multinational effort to support Haiti's security crisis. This move, revealed on September 9, 2024, is part of Belize's commitment to a long-awaited security mission aimed at assisting Haitian police in their struggle against powerful gangs.

The deployment comes at a crucial time, as the United Nations' initial 12-month mandate for the mission is set to expire within weeks. This development could potentially signal the imminent involvement of other nations in supporting the Kenyan police forces already present in Haiti.

Haiti's request for international assistance dates back to 2022, when the country sought help to combat armed gangs that have seized control of most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are expanding their influence to neighboring areas. This crisis has led to widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian situation, with hunger levels soaring among the population.

Currently, approximately 400 Kenyan police officers have been deployed to Haiti, forming part of a larger promised contingent of at least 2,900 troops from various countries. However, the mission has faced significant challenges, including delays in wage payments and issues with essential equipment supply, such as firing towers for armored vehicles provided by the United States, the mission's primary financial backer.

The Belize Defence Force stated, "The BDF will be collaborating with the Jamaican Defence Force as part of a multinational task force dedicated to supporting Haiti's restoration efforts." The officers will first travel to Jamaica to engage in crucial operational planning duties before their eventual deployment to Haiti.

Belize's commitment to the mission, announced in May 2024, includes a pledge of 50 military personnel from both the Belize Defence Force and coast guard. This contribution is part of a broader international effort, with the Bahamas and Jamaica also expected to deploy forces by the end of September 2024, according to predictions by Kenyan mission commander Godfrey Otunge. Collectively, these three nations have promised 400 troops, while Benin has pledged at least 1,500.

The situation in Haiti is particularly dire, as it is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with a GDP per capita of about $1,200. The nation's 11.4 million inhabitants face numerous challenges, including political instability exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Haiti's history of international interventions, including U.S. occupations from 1915 to 1934 and 1994 to 1995, underscores the complexity of the current crisis. The country, which gained independence in 1804 as the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, continues to grapple with the legacy of colonialism and political turmoil.

As the multinational support mission takes shape, it faces the daunting task of restoring order in a nation where armed gangs have gained significant control. The success of this mission could be crucial for Haiti's future stability and the well-being of its citizens, who have endured years of violence and economic hardship.