The United States is working to convert the Kenya-led force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission amid rising gang violence. The U.N. force faces financial constraints, with significant portions of the pledged funding still outstanding. Nigeria and China have raised concerns over the proposal, seeking additional information before approval. The U.N. reports a critical lack of police personnel deployed in Haiti, exacerbating ongoing security issues stemming from political turmoil.
The United States has intensified its efforts to convert the Kenya-led international force in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission due to an escalation in gang violence that previously halted all air travel to Port-au-Prince. In September, the U.S. introduced a proposal for a U.N. mission to ensure continuous funding for the under-resourced multinational force assisting Haiti’s national police in combating gang control. Following political turmoil—including the dismissal of the interim prime minister by Haiti’s transitional council—the gangs have amplified their assaults, reportedly controlling 85% of the capital. The U.S. has attempted to gain unanimous approval from the U.N. Security Council to initiate this transformation, urging U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to expedite preparation plans. However, Russia and China have expressed reservations, seeking further briefings on the situation in Haiti before providing consent. Although the intent was to deploy 2,500 international police, the U.N. reports only around 430 personnel are currently active, with additional forces set to arrive in November. The financing for the operation remains precarious, with the U.N. trust fund substantially underfunded despite pledges of $96.8 million, of which only $85.3 million has been received so far. The estimated annual cost for deploying a nominal force is around $600 million. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gang violence in Haiti has surged, resulting in a call for international intervention. While some local residents welcome foreign assistance, past military interventions have left a legacy of distrust, particularly due to allegations of wrongdoing during previous U.N. missions.
The recent surge in gang-related violence in Haiti has prompted significant concerns regarding public safety and governance. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the influence and control exerted by gangs have greatly increased, presenting a formidable challenge to the Haitian authorities. A multinational force led by Kenya has been deployed to assist in stabilizing the situation, but it has faced persistent financial issues and insufficient troop levels. The proposed conversion to a U.N. peacekeeping mission aims to secure necessary funding and support to effectively address these challenges.
In conclusion, the U.S. is actively seeking to transform the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping operation due to escalating violence and political instability. Despite the urgency of the situation, significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding funding and international consensus. The historical context of foreign military intervention in Haiti complicates the local perception of such efforts, highlighting the need for careful considerations as the situation develops.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
