Caribbean Nations and Benin Discuss Troop Deployment for Haiti Stability

Foreign ministers from Caribbean nations and Benin met in Cotonou, focusing on troop deployment to stabilize Haiti, viewed as pivotal for the black diaspora. The discussions included plans to double trade to $1.8 billion by 2028 and promote memorial tourism related to the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

On January 8, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin, foreign ministers from Caribbean nations convened alongside their Beninese counterparts to deliberate the potential deployment of troops to Haiti. They articulated that the stabilization of Haiti holds significant symbolic importance for the global black community. Haiti, historically recognized as the first black republic, faces persistent challenges associated with gang violence and political instability. Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Bakari, emphasized the interconnectedness of black identity worldwide, asserting that “if Haiti falls, all we black people fall.” The discussions also aimed at strengthening collaborative economic initiatives and cultural exchanges, with a goal to enhance trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean, targeted to reach $1.8 billion by 2028. Additionally, the ministers proposed the promotion of memorial tourism, highlighting sites in Benin related to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, thereby enriching the historical connection of Caribbean nationals with their ancestral roots.

The ongoing crisis in Haiti has roots in longstanding political and social turmoil, compounded by severe economic challenges and rampant gang violence. The Caribbean nations, alongside Benin, view any improvement in Haiti’s stability not only as crucial for the nation itself but also as pivotal for the larger black diaspora. The meeting represents a growing recognition among Caribbean and African leaders of their shared history and heritage, which they hope to use as a foundation for strengthening ties and mutual support.

The meeting of Caribbean and Benin ministers underscores a collective commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Haiti, seen as central to the identity and solidarity of black people globally. The proposed troop deployment aims to enhance security, while economic cooperation initiatives present a path for future growth and cultural resonance between the regions. These efforts reflect a significant step towards unity in confronting shared historical legacies and contemporary issues.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com