Russia and China have opposed U.S. efforts to convert the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a UN peacekeeping mission due to escalating violence from gangs controlling much of the capital. This initiative comes amid serious funding shortages for the current force. The U.S. and Haiti’s leaders advocate for peacekeeping support, while concerns about operational effectiveness and historical issues with past missions are underscored by both Russian and Chinese representatives.
Russia and China have expressed opposition to a proposal from the United States that seeks to convert the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission. This request comes amidst rising gang violence in Haiti, notably with gangs controlling approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The U.S. initiative, introduced in early September, aims to secure stable financing for the multinational force, which is currently facing significant funding challenges.
During a U.N. Security Council meeting called by Russia and China, they emphasized that deploying peacekeepers in the absence of peace would be counterproductive. China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Geng Shuang, highlighted that the council had recently extended the mandate of the multinational force, arguing that discussions concerning its transformation would hinder efforts to address the force’s funding deficits and secure the necessary law enforcement personnel. He asserted, “Deploying a peacekeeping operation at this time is nothing more than putting peacekeepers into the front line of the battles with gangs.”
Despite the existing challenges, the multinational force is currently under-resourced, having only deployed around 430 international police, far fewer than the 2,500 initially anticipated. Russian Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky criticized the lack of funding from nations that initially supported the multinational force. He stated, “Conditions on the ground in Haiti are not appropriate for U.N. peacekeepers. Their role is to maintain peace and not to fight crime in urban areas or to save a dysfunctional state that has been plunged into domestic conflict.”
The appeal for a U.N. peacekeeping force was supported during the council meeting, with Haiti’s leaders and the Organization of American States advocating for intervention. While Kenya expressed commitment to increasing its support, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea asserted that transitioning to a U.N. peacekeeping presence would optimize existing resources and ensure better sustainability in financing.
The urgent need for international assistance in Haiti has been further emphasized by Dr. Bill Pape, a Haitian doctor, who argued for support amidst the escalating security crisis. He stated, “I trust that seeking your support to restore security in my country is not asking too much.” The ongoing debate reflects the complexities of international intervention in Haiti, especially in light of past controversies involving peacekeeping missions.
The subject of transforming the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission emerges during a critical period characterized by escalating gang violence in the country. With gangs controlling the majority of Port-au-Prince, a compelling situation has arisen regarding the efficacy and funding of international forces in maintaining security. The U.S. proposal is rooted in addressing financial sustainability for these efforts. However, the response from key nations like Russia and China underscores significant disagreements over the appropriateness of U.N. peacekeepers in a context rife with violence and instability.
In summary, the opposition from Russia and China signals significant geopolitical divisions regarding international intervention in Haiti. As the U.S. pushes for a transition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission to bolster support for the struggling multinational force, questions about the suitability and capability of peacekeepers in an active conflict zone persist. The complexity of Haiti’s situation necessitates urgent consideration of both support for law enforcement and long-term solutions to restore peace.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
