The United States and Ecuador have joined forces to propose a UN peacekeeping operation for Haiti, aiming to replace the existing Kenyan-led mission tasked with quelling the country’s rampant gang violence. This proposed resolution, circulated to the UN Security Council, highlights the urgent need for a more substantial international presence to maintain the progress achieved by the current mission.
The proposal follows a recent visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Haiti, where he emphasized the US’ commitment to the multinational mission and pushed for the long-overdue general elections. Blinken also recognized the need for a UN peacekeeping force as a potential solution to the funding crisis facing the Kenyan mission, which relies heavily on voluntary contributions from countries like the US and Canada. A UN peacekeeping force, on the other hand, would draw funds from a dedicated UN budget.
The UN’s history with Haiti is a complex one. While a previous UN force played a crucial role in stabilizing the country after a 2004 rebellion and a devastating 2010 earthquake, its presence was marred by controversies. The introduction of cholera by Nepalese troops and allegations of sexual abuse by other UN personnel cast a shadow on the mission’s legacy. Many Haitians harbor skepticism towards the prospect of another peacekeeping operation due to these past experiences.
Despite these concerns, the current situation in Haiti demands urgent action. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gangs have seized control of large swathes of the capital, including up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. They have unleashed a wave of violence, including killings, rapes, and kidnappings, prompting the formation of civilian vigilante groups. The gangs’ brazen attacks on police stations and the international airport in February further underscored the gravity of the situation.
The Kenyan-led mission, comprising approximately 2,500 personnel, has made some progress in curbing the violence. However, the mission faces significant financial constraints. The proposed UN peacekeeping operation would provide a more sustainable funding model and potentially a larger, more robust force.
While the proposed resolution acknowledges the efforts of the Kenyan mission, it argues that the situation in Haiti constitutes a threat to international peace and security, necessitating a more comprehensive UN response. The draft resolution seeks to extend the mandate of the current mission until October 2025 while simultaneously initiating the process of transitioning to a UN peacekeeping operation.
The Security Council is currently engaged in negotiations regarding the proposed resolution. The UN, however, emphasizes that any new peacekeeping force would require approval from the Security Council and subsequent contributions of troops and equipment from member nations. This process will undoubtedly take time, highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis in Haiti.
