The U.S. is pushing to convert the Kenyan-led force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission due to escalating gang violence that has paralyzed Port-au-Prince. Despite efforts to gain full support from the U.N. Security Council, significant financial and logistical challenges persist. The situation is further complicated by past criticisms of foreign interventions in Haiti, creating skepticism among some local populations.
The United States is intensifying its efforts to convert the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping operation, driven by an alarming increase in gang violence that has suspended all air traffic to Port-au-Prince. The U.S. proposed a U.N. peacekeeping mission earlier this September to ensure consistent funding for the force, which is assisting Haiti’s national police in combating escalating gang control. This uptick in violence reached a peak last Sunday, coinciding with political turmoil following the dismissal of the interim prime minister by Haiti’s transitional council. Currently, it is estimated that gangs govern approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, recently forcing the closure of the main airport after attacking aircraft, resulting in injuries among airport staff. The United States has sought unanimous approval from the U.N. Security Council for a draft resolution aimed at initiating the transition to a U.N. force, urging U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to expedite preparations and strategic planning for this transformation. However, Russia and China have expressed skepticism regarding this shift, hindering progress towards consensus within the Council. Russia has requested a public briefing followed by private discussions, indicating a desire for more information on Haiti’s situation. Despite plans for the deployment of 2,500 international police, current figures show only about 430 personnel active, predominantly from Kenya and supporting nations. In a recent statement, Kenya’s President William Ruto confirmed intentions to dispatch an additional 600 troops to Haiti in November. Despite the U.N. trust fund receiving approximately $85.3 million of the $96.8 million pledged, significant financial shortfalls threaten the efficacy of the mission, with estimates suggesting that $600 million is necessary to sustain a fully operational force for one year. Following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the power of gangs has surged, inciting civilian-led uprisings. The leadership in Haiti has formally requested a U.N. peacekeeping force to restore order. The initial contingent of Kenyan troops marks the fourth significant foreign military intervention in Haiti. While some citizens view the intervention positively, others exhibit apprehension due to the legacy of prior UN missions which faced severe criticism including allegations of misconduct and contributing to a cholera outbreak, leading to thousands of deaths.
This article addresses the increasing urgency of transforming the Kenya-led military presence in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission amidst rampant gang violence and political instability. Citing the collapse of public safety and governance following the assassination of Haiti’s president in 2021, the U.S. has proposed a structured response through enhanced international support and intervention. This situation emphasizes the complexities involved in foreign military engagements in Haiti, where historical interventions have produced mixed outcomes, influencing current perceptions of external assistance.
In summary, the United States is making strides to establish a U.N. peacekeeping force in Haiti to combat rampant gang violence and support the national police amidst political turmoil. Despite challenges in garnering unanimous support from U.N. Security Council members, particularly from Russia and China, preparations are in motion for this transition. Historical scrutiny of prior interventions underscores the need for cautious and responsible international engagement in Haiti, balancing urgent humanitarian needs with public sentiment regarding foreign military operations.
Original Source: apnews.com
