US Pentagon Contracts Detail Preparations for Multinational Force in Haiti, Including Essential Supplies
Detailed insights from Pentagon contracts shed light on the intricate planning and provisioning for the deployment of a multinational security force to Haiti, showcasing the US's crucial role in the mission's preparations.
Preparations are picking up pace for a multinational security force to head to Haiti. Federal contract opportunities from the US Department of Defense are laying out the specifics of US participation in planning for the mission.
The mission, known as the Multinational Security Support (MSS), is focused on assisting local police in tackling the gangs that have taken control of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. Led by Kenya, the mission is anticipated to reach the Caribbean nation in the next few weeks.
The US is leading the mission by offering hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and resources but has decided against sending troops. Recent contract opportunities posted on a US General Services Administration website by the Defense Department show how involved the US is in providing support for the multinational security force, including security for their base and basic supplies like toothbrushes and internet.
On Tuesday, May 21, the Defense Department announced a contract opportunity for commercial internet service providers who can support around 1,400 users in Haiti.
Contract opportunities posted on the same day also include chances for vendors to supply various items like shampoo, toothbrushes, lotions, and bedding for 1,300 individuals in Haiti.
People flee their neighborhoods after after armed gangs terrorized the Delmas 24 and Solino areas on the night of May 1, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
People flee their neighborhoods after after armed gangs terrorized the Delmas 24 and Solino areas on the night of May 1, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Clarens Siffroy/AFP/Getty Images/File
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US security contractors are currently in Haiti, with about 150 individuals on the ground as preparations for the mission progress, according to a source familiar with the operation speaking to CNN.
Additionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a $30 million contract to GardaWorld Federal Services LLC for private security and protection services in Haiti for contractors who are getting ready for the mission.
GardaWorld, a Canadian company, offers logistical, medical, and security services to government and commercial clients. They mentioned to CNN that they were hired to provide these services at the housing site.
The company has experience in safeguarding US diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan. This has led to ongoing legal action initiated by a former employee named Justin Fahn. He claims in a whistleblower lawsuit that GardaWorld misrepresented its employees' training to the US.
GardaWorld is challenging these accusations in court documents. According to a company representative speaking to CNN, the facility in Haiti is being protected by skilled security personnel.
When CNN reached out for a statement, a Pentagon spokesperson mentioned that aside from the contract details on the public platform sam.gov, there is no further information available to share at the moment.
Gang violence in Haiti has caused chaos, making it difficult for civilians to get food, water, and fuel. The armed groups have taken over parts of the capital city, even forcing the international airport in Port au Prince to close. After almost three months, commercial flights finally started again in mid-May.
The MSS base is set to be situated near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Satellite images taken on May 20 by Maxar Technologies, shared with CNN, reveal substantial construction near the airport since mid-May. The expansion seems to consist of at least five new buildings and freshly cleared land at the eastern edge of the runway.
Satellite imagery captured on May 20 by Maxar Technologies, obtained by CNN, shows a significant construction close to the airport since mid-May.
Satellite imagery captured on May 20 by Maxar Technologies, obtained by CNN, shows a significant construction close to the airport since mid-May.
Maxar Technologies
US President Joe Biden has announced plans to allocate $300 million for the mission and an extra $60 million for equipment to the country.
During a recent press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto, Biden mentioned that US forces will not be physically present on the ground, but will provide support in terms of logistics, intelligence, and equipment. In fact, some equipment has already been delivered.
In response to a question later in the briefing, Biden also addressed why the US is not sending troops to the region.
Biden explained that deploying forces in the hemisphere could lead to misunderstandings and misrepresentations of America's intentions. He emphasized the importance of avoiding the perception that America is imposing its will on others.
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A Kenyan police commissioner and a Jamaican police lieutenant will lead the mission, with other key positions filled by Kenyan personnel. Additionally, countries such as the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica have committed to providing personnel for the mission.
The initial deployment of the contingent was supposed to take place by May 23, but it was postponed last week. This delay happened after a Kenyan delegation evaluated the situation on the ground and found that the existing equipment was inadequate. Concerns raised by the Kenyan assessors, including senior police commanders, focused on the availability of helicopters for medical evacuations.
Last year, the United Nations Security Council authorized the MSS to help the Haitian National Police combat gang violence and bring stability to the Caribbean nation at the request of its government. However, there have been complaints from police unions and law enforcement sources in Haiti about the lack of clear planning for coordination with the foreign force.
CNN has contacted the Haitian National Police to inquire about the mission delay and logistical preparations for Haiti.
CNN’s Caitlin Hu, Kylie Atwood, Natasha Bertrand, Haley Britzky and Jennifer Hansler contributed reporting from New York and Washington, DC.
Editor's P/S:
The international community's response to Haiti's security crisis is a complex and multifaceted undertaking. While the United States is providing significant financial and logistical support, it is refraining from sending troops on the ground. This decision is likely motivated by a desire to avoid the perception of foreign intervention and to respect Haiti's sovereignty. However, it remains to be seen whether the multinational security force will be able to effectively address the challenges posed by Haiti's armed gangs.
The delay in the initial deployment of the multinational security force highlights the challenges involved in coordinating such a mission. The Kenyan delegation's concerns about the adequacy of equipment underscore the importance of careful planning and preparation. It is essential that the multinational security force has the resources and capabilities necessary to carry out its mission effectively and to protect its personnel.
