UN Security Council Approves Kenya-Led Force to Curb Gang Violence in Haiti
The United Nations Security Council has given its approval for the deployment of international forces led by Kenya to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti. This decision comes several months after Kenya proposed sending 1,000 officers to the country.
Haiti, a Caribbean nation with over 11 million people, had requested international assistance over a year ago to tackle the increasing insecurity within its borders. Prime Minister Ariel Henry expressed his gratitude to the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General for their support. He also thanked Kenya for taking the lead in proposing to send troops.
The resolution grants authority to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to take all necessary measures in order to curb the violence. It is important to note that the international forces will not be deploying under the UN peace mission; instead, they will be overseen by Kenyan forces who received authorization from the UN. This approach is similar to the 2007 African Union intervention in Somalia, which was also authorized by the UN.
Haiti has been rocked by widespread gang violence, with over 3,000 homicides and 1,500 kidnappings for ransom occurring between January and September of this year, according to the UN. The level of violence has significantly increased following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise two years ago. Consequently, approximately 200,000 people, including many children, have been displaced from their homes. Insecurity has also disrupted education, preventing tens of thousands of children from attending school.
The international forces will primarily focus on safeguarding vital public installations such as airports, ports, and hospitals, among others. They will work in coordination with local police to carry out anti-crime operations.
Due to its history of sending peacekeepers to volatile regions, Kenya offered to send 1,000 personnel to Haiti earlier this year. The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister, Alfred Mutua, emphasized that this mission is not only about peace and security but also about contributing to the rebuilding of Haiti in terms of politics, economic development, and social stability.
Analysts argue that Kenya stands to benefit from participating in this mission, as it enhances the country’s political capital on the global stage. By offering assistance to other countries, Kenya is seen as a reliable ally. Furthermore, the mission presents various opportunities for Kenya, including specialized training and equipment for its law enforcement agencies. Financial incentives, such as resource allocations and extra allowances for troops, are also anticipated.
The White House expressed its appreciation to Kenya for assuming leadership of the force, despite not sending their own troops. The United States has pledged up to $200 million to support the non-UN mission. The specific deployment date is yet to be determined, but US Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned that it could occur within months.
In addition to Kenya, other countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda have committed to sending personnel to help stabilize the situation in Haiti. However, the appointment of unelected leaders in Haiti has led to concerns raised by human rights advocates, who fear that deploying international forces would legitimize their rule.
Past missions to Haiti have been marred by scandals, prompting public protests demanding their withdrawal. The previous UN mission (2004-2017) was tainted by sexual abuse and a cholera outbreak that resulted in numerous deaths and illnesses. Additionally, UN soldiers were implicated in fathering and abandoning babies.
To address these issues, the MSS resolution calls for thorough vetting of force members and investigates promptly any allegations of misconduct, particularly sexual abuse of women and girls. Wastewater management will also be a key focus to prevent disease outbreaks.
The deployment of international forces led by Kenya is expected to make a significant impact on reducing gang violence in Haiti, restoring security to the nation, and creating a favorable environment for political, economic, and social development.
