U.N. Approves Extension of Kenya-led Mission to Combat Gang…

The U.N. Security Council has extended the mandate of a Kenya-led mission addressing gang violence in Haiti amidst rising criminal activities since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The decision aims to support the Haitian National Police and restore security as gang control extends over 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, displacing many residents. Despite requests for a formal peacekeeping mission, discussions on this topic were notably bypassed during recent resolutions.

The United Nations (U.N.) Security Council has unanimously approved an extension of the mandate for a Kenya-led mission to address the growing issue of gang violence in Haiti. This decision, made on Monday, comes in light of the increasing criminal activities that have arisen following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Presently, it is estimated that gangs control nearly 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, leading to the emergence of local vigilante groups aimed at reclaiming control over their neighborhoods. The mission, formally known as the Multinational Security Support Mission, was initiated in response to a request from Haiti for assistance to bolster the capabilities of the Haitian National Police in restoring security and creating conditions conducive for democratic elections. The mission has been provided with temporary executive policing authority, which encompasses arrest and detention powers. The recent resolution extends the mission’s mandate until October 2, 2025, with encouragement for accelerated deployment and additional voluntary support. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed optimism following the 15-0 vote, asserting, “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 decision to extend this mission arises amid alarming violence statistics in Haiti; at least 1,379 individuals were reported either killed or injured between April and June, alongside 428 kidnappings. Currently, around 700,000 Haitians are displaced, with over half being children, as gangs continue to exert control over the capital. While Haiti’s leadership sought a transition of the mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping force, the resolution notably avoided addressing this request. Both China and Russia successfully removed a paragraph from the resolution acknowledging the call from Haiti’s transitional authority for discussions regarding a peacekeeping operation. Despite U.S. efforts to enhance U.N. involvement in Haiti, both China and Russia expressed their reservations, with China’s deputy ambassador highlighting the past inadequacies of U.N. peacekeeping efforts in Haiti. He asserted, “Haiti does not have the conditions for the deployment of peacekeeping operations right now.” Leblanc, the president of Haiti’s transitional council, acknowledged the contributions of the multinational force in his speech at the U.N. but stressed the need for continued action to restore peace, as many Haitians live in a perpetual state of fear. The current mission, which comprises approximately 400 Kenyan personnel, lags behind the initial commitment of 2,500 troops, and financial resources remain a concern for its sustainability.

The situation in Haiti has become increasingly precarious in the wake of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in July 2021. His death triggered a surge in gang violence, contributing to widespread instability in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gangs have since gained substantial territorial control, leading to significant humanitarian needs, including a rise in displaced persons. The international community, particularly through the U.N., has been called upon to assist in addressing these challenges. The Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, represents a collaborative effort to support the Haitian National Police and restore order, although its transformation into a formal peacekeeping mission remains contentious. The involvement of various national representatives in the U.N. Security Council adds complexity to the discourse on how best to stabilize Haiti.

In summary, the U.N. Security Council’s decision to extend the Kenya-led mission in Haiti underscores the international community’s commitment to assisting in the fight against rampant gang violence. Despite humanitarian challenges and concerns regarding troop levels and financial resources, there remains a strong push for action to restore security and pave the way for democratic governance. However, the absence of a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission indicates ongoing debates about the most effective means of international intervention in Haiti.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com