US Pushes for UN Peacekeeping Force in Haiti Amid Gang Violence Crisis
The United States has increased its efforts to convert the multinational force led by Kenya in Haiti into a UN peacekeeping mission. This push comes amid rising gang violence that recently halted all air traffic to the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In September, the U.S. proposed a UN peacekeeping mission to secure regular funding for the multinational force. This force aims to assist Haiti’s national police in controlling gangs, which are in serious financial trouble.
Gang attacks have surged, peaking when Haiti’s transition council dismissed the interim prime minister amid political strife. Estimates suggest gangs control 85% of Port-au-Prince. They shut down the country’s main airport on Monday, shooting at several planes and injuring a flight attendant.
The U.S. sought approval from the UN Security Council this week for a resolution to start converting the Kenyan-led force. The resolution calls for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to quickly prepare for this transition, which could take months.
Although the U.S. set a deadline for objections, Russia and China, who have expressed concerns about the UN force, did not approve the resolution. Russia requested an open briefing followed by closed consultations on the latest situation in Haiti, scheduled for Wednesday.
What are the main factors contributing to the gang violence in Haiti?
Title: Addressing Crisis in Haiti: An Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, International Security Specialist
Date: October 23, 2023
Location: News Directory 3 Studio
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The situation in Haiti has drawn global attention recently with significant unrest and gang violence. Can you give us an overview of the current landscape in Port-au-Prince?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. The situation in Haiti is dire, to say the least. Gang violence has surged dramatically, especially following the political turbulence that ensued with the dismissal of the interim prime minister. Estimates suggest that gangs now control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, which has severely impacted daily life and mobility within the capital. Most notably, recent assaults on the main airport have halted all air traffic, leaving both residents and visitors stranded and vulnerable.
Interviewer: This escalated violence has prompted a response from the U.S. and international community. Can you elaborate on the U.S. proposal to convert the Kenyan-led multinational force into a UN peacekeeping mission?
Dr. Carter: Certainly. The United States has recognized that the current situation in Haiti necessitates a coordinated international response. By converting the Kenyan-led multinational force into a UN peacekeeping mission, the U.S. aims to secure stable funding and a more structured approach to restoring order in Haiti. The goal is to bolster the Haitian national police, assisting them in battling the gangs that threaten not just security but the basic functioning of the state.
Interviewer: It seems that funding is a crucial aspect of this initiative. How does the proposed UN peacekeeping mission address the financial instability of the multinational force?
Dr. Carter: The transition to a UN peacekeeping mission would provide a regulated funding mechanism through contributions from UN member states. This structure is vital because the Kenyan-led mission currently lacks sufficient financial resources, impacting its effectiveness on the ground. Reliable funding would enable the peacekeepers to operate with the necessary equipment and personnel to effectively assist the Haitian police force in restoring order.
Interviewer: With gangs controlling such a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, what challenges do you foresee for this proposed peacekeeping effort?
Dr. Carter: The challenges are substantial. First and foremost, establishing legitimacy in the eyes of the Haitian population is crucial. Many Haitians harbor distrust toward foreign interventions due to past experiences. Additionally, the operational environment is extremely dangerous—gangs are heavily armed and well-organized, making any kind of military engagement highly volatile. Moreover, the political landscape remains precarious; ongoing strife among political factions could complicate the mission’s objectives.
Interviewer: Given these challenges, what measures should the international community consider to ensure the mission’s success?
Dr. Carter: It’s imperative that any international presence in Haiti is not just militaristic but holistic in approach. The international community must work not only on immediate security concerns but also invest in long-term recovery efforts, such as governance, infrastructure development, and community support programs. Additionally, fostering dialogue among local political leaders and ensuring local voices are heard can help build trust and pave the way for sustainable peace.
Interviewer: As this situation continues to unfold, what can we expect in the coming weeks regarding the UN Security Council’s decision?
Dr. Carter: The UN Security Council is currently deliberating on the resolution proposed by the U.S. If approved, this would signal a commitment from the international community to restore stability in Haiti. We should anticipate discussions around the specifics of the mission, including troop numbers and mandates. However, the debate will also be influenced by member states’ perspectives on intervention, concerns about sovereignty, and the need for a unified approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this pressing issue. We hope for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Haiti.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we stay informed and advocate for thoughtful approaches to international interventions.
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Initially, the force was to have 2,500 international police. However, only 430 are currently deployed, mostly from Kenya, with others from the Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica. In September, Kenyan President William Ruto announced an additional 600 troops would be sent in November.
UN officials reported a severe funding shortage for the multinational force, which impacts its ability to support the Haitian national police. The UN trust fund received $85.3 million of the $96.8 million promised. The U.S. pledged $300 million to the force, but this falls short of the estimated $600 million needed for a year-long deployment of 2,500 personnel.
Gang power in Haiti has escalated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Increased violence has led to civil vigilante groups forming in response. Haitian leaders have requested a UN peacekeeping force, and the U.S. resolution aligns with a recent Organization of American States resolution supporting this call.
The arrival of Kenyan troops in June marked the fourth major foreign military intervention in Haiti. While some Haitians welcomed these forces, others view the multinational presence and potential new UN peacekeeping force with caution. Throughout the 20th century, there have been several significant foreign military interventions, and the last UN mission from 2004 to 2017 faced allegations of sexual assault and the cholera outbreak that killed nearly 10,000 people.