The U.N. Security Council has unanimously voted to extend the Kenya-led mission addressing gang violence in Haiti until October 2, 2025. This decision follows a surge in violence post the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince. Despite the support for the mission, calls for a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation were sidelined, emphasizing the ongoing security challenges Haiti faces.
On Monday, the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council unanimously voted to extend the mandate of a mission led by Kenya aimed at addressing the alarming rise in gang violence in Haiti. This violence has significantly escalated following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with reports indicating that gangs currently exert control over nearly 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, prompting the emergence of local vigilante groups as communities strive to reclaim their neighborhoods. In response to an official request from Haiti, the U.N. Security Council sanctioned the Multinational Security Support Mission, which is designed to assist the Haitian National Police in combating gang activity, restoring public safety, and fostering conditions conducive to democratic elections. The mission possesses temporary executive policing authority, encompassing powers of arrest and detention. The resolution adopted on Monday extends the Multinational Security Support mission until October 2, 2025, while urging the prompt deployment of mission personnel and encouraging further voluntary contributions to support its objectives. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the significance of the unanimous vote, stating that it “sends a strong message to the people of Haiti: The world is standing with you. And we are unwavering in our efforts to help restore security and stability and put the country on the path to peace and stability.” The Security Council’s decision to extend the mission comes in the wake of grave statistics: from April through June, at least 1,379 individuals were reported killed or injured, alongside an additional 428 cases of kidnapping. The societal impact is profound, with over 700,000 displaced Haitians, more than half of whom are children, as gang violence continues to dominate life in Port-au-Prince. Nevertheless, the resolution does not address requests from Haitian authorities to consider converting the current force into a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission. The final draft of the resolution notably omits a paragraph that acknowledged appeals from Haiti’s leadership for such a discussion, an amendment pushed by representatives from China and Russia. President Edgard Leblanc Fils of Haiti had raised this issue during a recent U.N. General Assembly session, marking an important governmental acknowledgment, following the suggestion of a peacekeeping mission by the United States in early September. The current mission includes approximately 400 Kenyan officers but falls short of the initially pledged 2,500 personnel from multiple countries, including Chad, Benin, Bangladesh, and Barbados. Moreover, financial resources remain limited, raising concerns regarding the sustainability of the operation. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the urgent need for additional financial support for the multinational force and echoed calls from Haiti’s officials for a U.N.-funded peacekeeping operation. In contrast, representatives from China and Russia expressed strong reservations about the deployment of a peacekeeping force at this juncture. China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Geng Shuang, stated, “The U.N. has sent multiple peacekeeping operations in Haiti, but the results have never been satisfactory, and the lessons learned have been extremely profound. Haiti does not have the conditions for the deployment of peacekeeping operations right now.” Despite the ongoing discussions, President Leblanc acknowledged the efforts of the current multinational force but stressed the magnitude of work required to restore peace, as many Haitians continue to live in a state of fear.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly as gang violence surged following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. This violence has made it critical for international support to restore order and ensure the rule of law, leading to the establishment of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission approved by the U.N. Security Council. Local communities are struggling against gang control, and the U.N. aims to assist in restoring peace while also paving the way for future democratic elections in Haiti. The mission’s extension reflects the continued concern for the safety and stability of the nation.
The U.N. Security Council’s recent resolution to extend the Kenya-led mission in Haiti underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing the gang violence that has plagued the nation since 2021. While challenges persist, particularly in personnel and financial support for the mission, the unanimous vote conveys a collective intent to aid Haiti in overcoming its current crisis while maintaining a dialogue on the potential transition to a formal peacekeeping operation.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
