UN extends Haiti security mission mandate for another year

The U.N. Security Council unanimously voted on Monday to extend the mandate of a Kenya-led multinational force aimed at combating rampant gang violence in Haiti. This decision came despite Haiti’s call for discussions on transitioning the mission into a full-fledged U.N. peacekeeping operation.

In the final draft of the resolution obtained by The Associated Press, amendments pushed by China and Russia removed a paragraph that acknowledged the request from Haiti’s transitional presidential council, led by Edgard Leblanc Fils, to initiate talks on the possibility of a U.N. peacekeeping force. This marked the first public endorsement of such a move by a Haitian government official, following a proposal by the United States in early September to bolster resources for the Kenya-led mission.

Currently, the multinational force consists of nearly 400 Kenyan officers, supplemented by about 20 police and military personnel from Jamaica. However, this number falls significantly short of the 2,500 troops pledged by various nations, including Chad, Benin, Bangladesh, and Barbados, as well as highlighting the pressing need for additional funding.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of the Security Council’s 15-0 vote, stating that it sends a powerful message of support 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,” she declared.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield further stressed the urgent need for additional financial contributions to sustain the multinational force. She also encouraged members of the council to consider Haiti’s appeal for a U.N.-funded peacekeeping mission. According to a senior U.S. official, the resolution’s adoption will pave the way for efforts to work closely with Haitian authorities and partners to transition the operation into a peacekeeping force. The official indicated that those opposing a U.N. mission would need to justify their stance, particularly in light of the Haitian government’s request.

In contrast, China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Geng Shuang, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations in Haiti. He noted that past U.N. missions have not yielded satisfactory results and highlighted the profound lessons learned from these experiences. Geng argued that focusing on alternative solutions at this stage could interfere with the current operations of the Kenya-led force, insisting that Haiti lacks the necessary conditions for a peacekeeping mission at present.

“Haiti does not have the conditions for the deployment of peacekeeping operations right now,” Geng asserted, echoing sentiments shared by other member states.

Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, supported Geng’s position, reminding the council that only three months have elapsed since the Kenyan officers’ deployment. He maintained that the international community should allow the multinational force to establish its presence before considering any changes to the operational framework.

Despite the challenges, the Kenya-led force is expected to play a critical role in addressing the security crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has escalated dramatically in recent years, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The situation has prompted urgent calls for international intervention to restore stability and order.

The extension of the mandate signals ongoing international commitment to addressing the dire situation in Haiti. However, the lack of consensus regarding the transition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission raises questions about the effectiveness and future direction of international efforts in the country.

In summary, while the U.N. Security Council has reaffirmed its support for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, the debate over a potential transition to a peacekeeping operation underscores the complexities of addressing the nation’s security challenges. As international stakeholders navigate these issues, the focus remains on ensuring that the people of Haiti receive the assistance and stability they urgently need.