The United States and Ecuador have put forward a draft resolution at the United Nations to begin preparations for a U.N. peacekeeping operation to replace the current Kenya-led mission in Haiti. The draft resolution emphasizes the necessity of U.N. peacekeepers to maintain the progress achieved by the multinational mission that has seen the deployment of almost 400 Kenyan police since June to assist the Haitian National Police in addressing gang violence.
Following U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Haiti where he reiterated the U.S.’s support for the multinational mission and advocated for overdue general elections, the proposal for a U.N. peacekeeping force has gained traction. Blinken acknowledged that a U.N. peacekeeping operation could help address the funding challenges faced by the Kenya-led mission, which largely relies on voluntary contributions from countries like the U.S. and Canada. Unlike voluntary contributions, peacekeeping operations are financed through a dedicated U.N. budget.
The United Nations has been engaged in Haiti’s affairs intermittently since 1990. In the aftermath of a 2004 uprising that plunged the country into turmoil, a U.N. force was deployed to stabilize the nation after successful elections and the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. However, U.N. peacekeepers departed under a cloud of controversy, with troops from Nepal accused of introducing cholera and instances of sexual abuse surfacing.
Despite past grievances, Haiti’s call for an international force to combat escalating gang violence in 2022 prompted U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to seek a leading country for the mission. Eventually, Kenya volunteered 1,000 police officers, with additional support pledged by other nations. The multinational force, anticipated to comprise 2,500 personnel, is projected to cost approximately $600 million annually, with only a fraction of the necessary funds secured thus far.
In the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gangs have gained significant control in Haiti, leading to a surge in violent crimes. While the arrival of Kenyan police has improved some security aspects, challenges persist, particularly in communities surrounding Port-au-Prince that continue to be targeted by gangs.
The draft resolution underscores the ongoing threat to international peace and security posed by the situation in Haiti and praises Kenya’s contribution to the Multinational Security Support mission. The resolution seeks to extend the mission’s mandate until October 2, 2025, to allow for a seamless transition to a U.N. peacekeeping operation. Security Council experts have initiated discussions on the resolution’s content, with negotiations ongoing and a vote date yet to be determined.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric has reiterated the formal processes required for establishing a new peacekeeping force, emphasizing the need for Security Council approval, troop contributions from member nations, and logistical deployment arrangements, all of which entail a comprehensive timeline for implementation.