Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 9, 2024 3:11 am GMT
U.S. Considers New UN Peacekeeping Operation for Haiti Amid Ongoing Crisis
The United States, alongside Ecuador, has circulated a draft resolution seeking to initiate planning for a United Nations peacekeeping operation to replace the Kenya-led police mission currently deployed in Haiti. This comes at a time when violence from gangs has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince now under gang control. The situation has prompted Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address the ongoing crisis both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where concerns over the spillover effects are growing.
The Current Situation in Haiti
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, Haiti’s crisis has escalated, leading to soaring rates of violence, including killings, rapes, and kidnappings. The recent surge in criminal activity has spurred civilian vigilante groups to rise against the gangs. The increase in violence prompted Haiti to request an international force to address gang activity in 2022, culminating in the deployment of nearly 400 Kenyan police officers in June 2023.
Despite these efforts, the Kenyan-led mission has encountered significant funding issues. The mission relies heavily on voluntary contributions, primarily from the U.S. and Canada, which have provided most of the financial support thus far. Currently, the mission faces a funding shortfall, with only $85 million in pledges compared to the estimated $600 million annual cost.
UN Peacekeeping: A Controversial Proposal
In light of the difficulties experienced by the Kenya-led police mission, the U.S. has proposed a transition to a U.N. peacekeeping operation. Unlike multinational missions that rely on voluntary funding, U.N. peacekeeping operations receive financing from a specialized U.N. budget. The ongoing discussions suggest that the proposed U.N. resolution will express gratitude to Kenya while extending the mandate of the current mission until October 2025.
However, the call for a new peacekeeping force has met criticism. Many Haitians harbor mistrust towards foreign forces due to past controversies, including outbreaks of cholera attributed to U.N. peacekeepers and instances of sexual exploitation. With previous operations leaving the country under a cloud of scandal, there is a palpable reluctance among the population towards another foreign intervention.
The Role of the Dominican Republic
During his recent visit to the Dominican Republic, Secretary Blinken met with President Luis Abinader to discuss a range of issues, including human rights and the regional security situation. The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and the turmoil in Haiti has started to affect the Dominican nation’s stability. President Abinader expressed concerns about the impact of rising violence in Haiti, particularly the influx of Haitian migrants into the Dominican Republic, which has strained local resources.
Abinader’s government has faced scrutiny over its treatment of Haitian migrants. Amid growing tension and violence, the administration has restricted airspace to Haiti and is constructing a border wall, measures intended to stem the influx of migrants seeking refuge in the Dominican Republic.
International Efforts and Future Implications
The discussions led by Blinken signal a renewed focus on stabilizing Haiti through international collaboration. Blinken emphasized the necessity to establish control in Haiti away from gangs as a foundation for future progress. He affirmed the U.S. commitment to enhancing humanitarian assistance, announcing an additional $45 million directed towards aid for Haiti and a $3 million investment aimed at workforce development in the Dominican Republic.
The situation in Haiti is very complicated, making it hard to create a safe and stable place for everyone. The United States and other countries are starting to think about giving more help to Haiti. However, it’s unclear if people in Haiti will welcome a new U.N. peacekeeping mission since many remember the problems from earlier missions. As the U.N. Security Council talks about this new plan, there are still big questions about money, trust, and whether outside help will really work in Haiti.
