The United States is advocating for the transition of the Kenya-led force in Haiti to a U.N. peacekeeping mission in response to severe gang violence and political turmoil. Although funding and support challenges persist, the situation highlights the pressing need for effective international intervention in Haiti.
The United States is intensifying its efforts to change the Kenya-led multinational operation in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping force, motivated by a recent escalation in gang-related violence that led to the suspension of air traffic to Port-au-Prince. Initially proposed in September, the U.S. initiative aims to establish a sustainable funding framework for the beleaguered force attempting to assist Haiti’s national police in regaining control from gangs. The potential transformation follows a surge in violent incidents tied to a political crisis stemming from a transitional council’s dismissal of the interim prime minister, resulting in gangs now controlling an estimated 85% of the capital. A draft resolution to be approved by the U.N. Security Council has been put forth by the United States, calling for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to expedite planning for this transformation. However, as of Thursday, Russia and China had withheld support, expressing their desire for further discussions regarding the situation in Haiti. The current deployed force, which was intended to include 2,500 international police, has only managed to place around 430 personnel on the ground, predominantly a contingent from Kenya. In November, Kenya’s President William Ruto has pledged to send an additional 600 personnel to Haiti. Concerns have been raised regarding the funding of the multinational force, classified as critically under-resourced with only approximately $85.3 million received out of $96.8 million pledged. The financial challenge is substantial, with the total projected cost for a year’s deployment reaching $600 million. The resurgence of gang power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has contributed to a severe security crisis, resulting in a call for U.N. peacekeeping intervention. Haitian leadership has formally requested a U.N. peacekeeping force, which is supported by a recent resolution from the Organization of American States advocating for such an operation. While the first Kenyan troops arrived in June, public perception remains mixed; historical interventions have been fraught with challenges and criticisms, particularly regarding past U.N. operations.
The situation in Haiti has been deteriorating due to rampant gang violence and political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Gang control has surged exponentially, with civil unrest prompting calls for international assistance. The U.S. has sought to establish a sustainable framework to support the Haiti-led multinational force through a transition to a United Nations peacekeeping mission. This initiative highlights the complexities of international intervention in Haiti, drawing attention to both the need for security improvements and the historical challenges associated with foreign military presence in the country.
In summary, the United States is actively pursuing the transformation of the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping operation amid rising gang violence and political chaos. The challenges include obtaining broad support at the U.N. Security Council, ensuring adequate funding for the military presence, and addressing historical implications of foreign interventions. With gang control posing a severe threat to security, the request for international assistance underscores the urgent need for a sustainable peacekeeping strategy in Haiti.
Original Source: apnews.com
