U.N. Security Council Approves Multinational Force to Combat Gangs in Haiti, Led by Kenya
The U.N. Security Council has voted in favor of deploying a multinational force led by Kenya to Haiti in order to combat violent gangs that have been wreaking havoc in the Caribbean country. The resolution, drafted by the U.S. and Ecuador, received 13 votes in favor and two abstentions from China and Russia.
The force, authorized for a one-year deployment with a review after nine months, comes as a response to Haiti’s prime minister’s plea for immediate armed intervention. This marks the first time in almost two decades that a force has been deployed to Haiti with U.N. approval.
The approval of the resolution signifies solidarity with the distressed Haitian population, according to Jean Victor Généus, Haiti’s foreign affairs minister. He described it as a glimmer of hope for a nation that has endured prolonged suffering.
A specific deployment date has yet to be determined, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that a security mission could be deployed within months. On the other hand, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alfred Mutua, has suggested a two to three month timeline, possibly as early as January. Preparation for the deployment includes training key officers in French.
The size of the force has not been officially confirmed, although Kenya has proposed sending 1,000 police officers. In addition, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda have pledged their support and will also contribute personnel.
The U.S. administration, under President Joe Biden, has promised to provide logistics and $100 million in assistance to support the Kenyan-led force.
However, the approval of the resolution has faced opposition from China and Russia. The Russian Federation expressed concerns regarding the deployment of an armed force without a clear plan and criticized what they deemed a rushed decision. China emphasized the importance of consultation between the leading nations of the mission and Haitian officials, highlighting the need for a legitimate and effective government in place.
Généus acknowledged that the approval is a crucial step but stressed that it is not enough. He emphasized the importance of addressing socioeconomic development to tackle extreme poverty, which has been a major contributing factor to Haiti’s problems and the recruitment of young people by gangs.
With the deployment of an armed force, peace and security are expected to be restored in Haiti. This would enable the country to hold long-awaited general elections that Prime Minister Ariel Henry has repeatedly promised since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
However, it is crucial to note the complicated history of international intervention in Haiti. The previous U.N.-approved mission in 2004 was marred by scandals such as sexual abuse and the introduction of cholera. Critics of the current mission have also raised concerns about allegations of torture, deadly force, and other abuses by Kenyan police.
The situation in Haiti has become increasingly dire, with soaring crime rates, including killings, kidnappings, and rapes. Over 2,400 people have been reported killed and more than 950 kidnapped between January and August 2021, according to U.N. statistics. Rival gangs have also pillaged communities, leaving more than 200,000 people homeless.
The approval of the multinational force brings hope to individuals like Nicolas Jean-Pierre, who has been displaced by gang violence. He believes that the sooner the force arrives, the better, as it would provide him and others with an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Moving forward, it is essential to ensure that the deployment of the force is swift and safe. The success of the mission will also depend on a Haitian political solution that includes free, transparent, and fair elections. Without such a solution, lasting aid and stability are unlikely to be achieved.
Overall, the approval of the multinational force is seen as a beacon of hope for Haiti. It is a step toward addressing the country’s security crisis and providing support to its distressed population. However, it is necessary to prioritize long-term solutions that address the root causes of poverty and inequality to truly transform the situation in Haiti.
