The United States is advocating for the transition of the Kenya-led force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission in light of increased gang violence. This effort follows a proposal made in September aimed at securing funding for the multinational force and addressing the critical security situation in Haiti, where 85% of the capital is reportedly under gang control.
The United States has intensified its efforts to convert the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping mission. This initiative has gained momentum due to the significant surge in gang violence, which recently resulted in the shutdown of air traffic to Port-au-Prince. Earlier in September, the U.S. proposed a U.N. mission to facilitate stable funding for the multinational force tasked with aiding Haiti’s national police in combating rampant gangs amidst a pressing financial crisis. Violence has escalated dramatically, particularly following last Sunday’s political turmoil when the interim prime minister was dismissed by Haiti’s transitional council. The current estimates reveal that gangs control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, leading to severe disruptions, including the closure of the main airport due to attacks on aircraft, which resulted in injuries. The United States has sought consensus from all 15 members of the U.N. Security Council regarding a draft resolution aimed at initiating the transformation of the Kenyan force. This resolution seeks U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to commence planning for the transition, although this process may be protracted. A deadline was set for Thursday for any objections to the draft; however, both Russia and China, having voiced concerns about this transition to a U.N. force, did not endorse the resolution.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated markedly in recent years, exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which led to a significant increase in violence perpetrated by gangs. Their activities have escalated to the extent that civilian vigilante groups have formed in response to alarming rates of killings, rapes, and kidnappings. The necessity for international support has been articulated by Haitian leaders, who have formally requested the establishment of a U.N. peacekeeping force to restore order. This predicament has prompted the U.S. to propose transforming the existing Kenya-led force into a U.N. mission to ensure sustainable funding and effective policing in the nation.
In summary, the U.S. has escalated attempts to transform the Kenyan multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping operation in response to rising gang violence. The country is grappling with severe safety challenges, and while there are military provisions being discussed, funding and international support remain critical issues. The call for a structured peacekeeping mission illustrates the urgent need for stabilizing Haiti amidst ongoing turmoil and the skepticism that accompanies past foreign interventions.
Original Source: apnews.com
