PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname 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.
Albert Ramdin (File Photo)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.
Last week, 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 here 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 into the Caribbean island.
Ramdin has emphasized the need for urgency in dealing with the situation in Haiti, especially in the area of humanitarian support. He also said that the political impasse in Haiti can only be resolved if political parties and organizations can come together to quickly address the security situation and move towards general elections.
It is not the first time that Suriname will participate in a security operation in Haiti.
From April 11 to November 18, 1995, the Dutch-speaking CARICOM country participated in ‘Operation Peace Enforcement’ with police officers and soldiers in Haiti under the name ‘Suriname Military in Haiti’ to ensure stability and security.
