United Nations Security Council passed a resolution to send a multinational armed force, led by Kenya, to assist in addressing the escalating issue of violent gangs in Haiti, marking the first such deployment to the troubled Caribbean nation in nearly two decades.
The resolution, jointly drafted by the United States and Ecuador, secured approval with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions from China and the Russian Federation. It authorized the multinational force to operate for one year, subject to review after nine months. Funding for this non-U.N. mission will rely on voluntary contributions, with the United States pledging up to $200 million.
Haiti Issue
Haiti has been grappling with a surge in gang violence, hindering the nation’s ability to conduct long-delayed elections. The country’s National Police, with just 10,000 active officers, is overwhelmed in dealing with the gangs, given Haiti’s population of over 11 million.
The decision to deploy a foreign armed force to tackle this issue evoked mixed reactions in Haiti. While many celebrated it as a ray of hope, others expressed concerns.
“More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,” said Jean Victor Généus, Haiti’s foreign affairs minister. “It’s a glimmer of hope for the people who have been suffering for too long.”
As for the timeline of deployment, it has yet to be finalized. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that it could occur “in months,” while Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Alfred Mutua mentioned a potential deployment within two to three months or early January. Key officers are currently being trained in French to facilitate their mission.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry expressed gratitude to the U.N. Security Council, the U.N.’s secretary general, and the participating nations, stating that “the bell of liberation sounded” and that waiting any longer was not an option.
The size of the multinational force remains uncertain, with Kenya proposing to send 1,000 police officers. Additionally, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda have pledged to contribute personnel.
However, some nations, including China and Russia, raised objections and concerns about the resolution. They stressed the importance of establishing a legitimate and effective Haitian government and a clear timetable for transition.
The deployment of the armed forces is expected to restore peace and security in Haiti, paving the way for much-awaited general elections. Haiti has been without a democratically elected institution since January, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry ruling with international support.
The president of the U.N. Security Council, Sérgio França, emphasized the necessity of free, transparent, and fair elections as the foundation for lasting success in Haiti, cautioning that without a political solution, foreign aid alone would not suffice.
International intervention in Haiti has faced challenges in the past, including a U.N.-approved stabilization mission that ended in 2017, marred by scandals and the introduction of cholera. The current resolution emphasizes the need to prevent abuses, sexual exploitation, and environmental issues.
Critics have raised concerns about the track record of the Kenyan police, including allegations of torture and abuses. However, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield assured that the resolution contains robust accountability measures and expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to carry out the mission.
The urgency of the situation in Haiti cannot be overstated. With escalating violence, thousands of lives at risk, and numerous displaced individuals, the international community is mobilizing to provide much-needed assistance to the Haitian population.