United States Takes Action: Proposes Multinational Force to Tackle Escalating Gang Violence in Haiti
The United States plans to propose a resolution at the UN Security Council for the deployment of a multinational force in Haiti to address escalating gang violence. Kenya is willing to lead the mission.
In a significant development, the United States has announced its plans to propose a resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the deployment of a multinational force in Haiti.
This decision comes after Kenya expressed its willingness to lead this crucial mission, aimed at curbing the escalating gang violence that has plagued the Caribbean nation. During a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that any intervention in Haiti would require the authorization of the UNSC.
Miller confirmed that the US, in collaboration with Ecuador, will soon present the resolution to the council. Although the exact timeline for the resolution's submission remains undisclosed, Miller assured reporters that it will happen in the near future.
Following the UNSC's approval, the government of Kenya will proceed with an assessment mission to Haiti. This mission will evaluate the situation on the ground and determine the specific requirements and contributions of the participating nations.
Miller emphasized the commitment of the United States to providing the necessary resources to support this multinational force. Haiti has long been grappling with not only rampant criminal violence but also various other challenges, including natural disasters, political deadlock, and economic struggles.
The recent assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 has only exacerbated the country's woes. Despite appeals for international assistance, the call for a multinational force has faced roadblocks, with no country willing to take the lead.
Civil society groups within Haiti have also voiced their opposition to foreign intervention, advocating for local solutions to address the multifaceted crisis. Nevertheless, on Saturday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Kenya's positive consideration of leading the multinational force during a conversation with Kenyan President William Ruto.
The specific countries that will contribute to this mission, apart from Kenya, remain uncertain at this stage. Nonetheless, the announcement comes at a critical time, as Haitian government forces struggle to contain criminal gangs, leading to an alarming increase in vigilante killings.
This surge in violence has further highlighted the prime minister's legitimacy crisis, given the dysfunction of state institutions and the repeated postponement of elections. The deteriorating situation in Haiti has prompted human rights organizations to warn of an impending civil war.
Recognizing the gravity of the crisis, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has repeatedly stressed the need for a robust international force to support Haiti's security forces in combatting the violence. Guterres recently visited Port-au-Prince and witnessed firsthand the dire living conditions and exhaustion faced by the Haitian people.
In response to the escalating violence, the United States has issued an order for non-emergency government personnel to depart from Haiti while urging American citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.
This move reflects the growing concern over the safety and security of foreign nationals in the face of mounting instability. The proposed multinational force holds the potential to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people and restore stability to the nation.
As the international community mobilizes its efforts, it is crucial to prioritize Haiti's plight and work collectively towards finding sustainable solutions for the country's long-standing challenges.