The Biden administration has decided not to pursue a U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti, following opposition from China and Russia. Instead, it aims to extend the mandate of the current Kenya-led security mission for one year, amid ongoing funding challenges and a lack of international support for the operation.
The Biden administration has decided to halt its efforts to convert the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti into a formal United Nations peacekeeping operation, at least for the moment. The latest draft resolution has omitted any language suggesting this transition after the United States and Ecuador were unable to secure support from key players, notably China and Russia. Instead, the U.S. and Ecuador will pursue a one-year extension of the mandate for the Multinational Security Support mission, which is set to be voted on by the U.N. Security Council on Monday. Should the resolution be approved, the extension would last until October 2025. During discussions that commenced earlier this month, Russia and China consistently objected to any proposals that suggested the Security Council should initiate planning for transitioning the current security mission into a U.N. peacekeeping operation or even consider it. The draft resolution, which was reviewed by the Miami Herald, reflects a more modest aim: extending the existing mandate, which is due to expire on Wednesday, by one year. Furthermore, it encourages the mission to expedite the deployment of police officers and invites the international community to increase their voluntary financial contributions. The mission in Haiti faces significant funding difficulties, which have hindered the deployment of approximately 2,500 security personnel tasked with assisting the Haitian National Police in combating armed gangs. After nearly four months since the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in Haiti, there are currently only about 400 foreign security personnel present, including a small number of Jamaican soldiers. This funding challenge initially prompted the Biden administration to seek a peacekeeping solution, which would guarantee necessary financial backing for the mission. Despite these negotiations, both Russia and China—permanent members of the Security Council with veto powers—have opposed the formal transition, asserting that the situation in Haiti necessitates a more robust ground presence before such a step could be justified. Historically, both Russia and China have refrained from contributing to U.N. interventions in Haiti and have utilized the ongoing crisis to critique U.S. policies in the region. While China ranks as the second-largest financial contributor to the United Nations, it has shown little inclination to support various global initiatives. Conversely, Russia has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of interest in collaborating with the United States on international matters, a trend that persists in regards to Haiti. Currently, the United States remains the leading financial contributor to the Multinational Security Support mission, having provided over $300 million. The U.S. is also striving to galvanize contributions from other nations for a U.N. trust fund intended to finance necessary operations, which Kenya estimates will cost approximately $600 million per annum. Should the current draft resolution be ratified, it would allow Russia and China to exhibit their support for Haiti through the extension of the struggling Kenya-led mission while abstaining from rendering assistance to the United States. Consequently, the U.S. may once again find itself shouldering the majority of the financial responsibilities for another year.
The ongoing crisis in Haiti has prompted international concern, particularly regarding security issues exacerbated by gang violence and political instability. The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission was initiated to provide security and assist the Haitian National Police. However, significant funding challenges have hindered the deployment and effectiveness of this mission, leading the Biden administration to pursue a transition to a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, which would provide guaranteed financial support and resources. However, the opposition from permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, specifically China and Russia, has complicated these efforts, manifesting in a hesitance to support such a transition.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s withdrawal of its push for a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti underscores the significant diplomatic challenges presented by opposing powers within the Security Council. While the proposed one-year extension of the Kenya-led mission reflects a temporary victory for the U.S. initiative, the persistent financial hurdles and the refusal of Russia and China to contribute meaningfully to UN-led efforts leave the future of security in Haiti uncertain. As the situation evolves, the need for robust international cooperation becomes increasingly critical to address Haiti’s ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
