Global Coalition assembles to send Multinational Force to Assist Haiti, Pending UN Resolution
The Biden administration has successfully garnered commitments from countries across the world to form a global coalition that will deploy a multinational force to help Haiti, subject to a resolution from the United Nations Security Council. This development is a promising step towards aiding Haiti’s struggling police force in their battle against dangerous gangs.
Kenya has generously offered to lead the mission, but they have stated several conditions for their participation. These requirements include receiving the blessing of the Security Council and the deployment of a minimum of 2,000 law enforcement officers, with Kenya itself contributing 1,000 officers. Furthermore, contributions are expected not only from Caribbean nations but also from other countries.
Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria J. Nuland expressed her satisfaction at the significant support received from countries worldwide for the mission in Haiti. She emphasized that contributions from every continent have been pledged. These commitments came to light following a meeting on the security situation in Haiti, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the United Nations General Assembly. More than 34 ambassadors, foreign ministers, and representatives from various countries, including both permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council, attended the meeting. While some nations presented concrete offers of support, others expressed their willingness to find a way to contribute to the mission.
Nuland stated that there was a unanimous consensus among the attendees in favor of a U.N. Security Council resolution. She made these remarks during a jointly held press conference with Brian Nichols, assistant secretary of state for the Western hemisphere.
To advance the cause, the United States and Ecuador have drafted a resolution, which is currently circulating among the 15 members of the Security Council. The resolution is aimed at authorizing a force led by Kenya to deploy in Haiti. The passage of this resolution seems promising, as U.S. officials have shown cautious optimism. However, no final decision has been made yet.
China, one of the five nations, including the United States, with veto power in the Security Council, has raised concerns about the proposed force. They question the need for a U.N. resolution to deploy troops from a different nation. During the annual session of the U.N. General Assembly, China requested a halt to the negotiations, prompting a temporary suspension. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that China’s reservations revolve around issues such as financing, rules of engagement, and the exit strategy for the international force.
Apart from addressing security concerns, other nations expect progress on the political front in Haiti. Efforts to find common ground between Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and opposition and non-governmental groups have reached a standstill.
While emphasizing the importance of a political agreement, U.S. officials announced additional visa restrictions on Friday. They have imposed entry bans on several current and former Haitian officials who are enabling violence. With these new designations, the total number of individuals barred from entering the United States since October 2020 has exceeded 50. Canada has also imposed sanctions on three influential members of Haiti’s economic elite.
The international community is now focused on collectively resolving the security crisis in Haiti. As nations rally together, hopes for progress rise, offering a glimmer of light in the face of Haiti’s ongoing struggles. The political and security situation in Haiti urgently requires attention and action, both domestically and from the international community.
