US President Joe Biden has called upon the United Nations to authorize a multinational “security support mission” led by Kenya to address the gang-related issues in strife-ridden Haiti.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Biden emphasized the pressing nature of the situation, urging the Security Council to swiftly approve this mission. He stated, “The people of Haiti cannot endure further delays.”
Haiti has been grappling with a series of interconnected crises, encompassing humanitarian, political, and security challenges, which have overwhelmed its fragile government and security forces. Haitian authorities and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have been appealing for several months for an international intervention in the Caribbean nation.
Despite these appeals, many countries have been reluctant to intervene, fearing involvement in a complex and violent situation. However, Kenya has expressed its readiness to lead a multinational police intervention aimed at training and assisting the Haitian police, pledging to send 1,000 officers. This proposed mission would require approval from the Security Council, even though it would not operate under the UN’s flag.
Negotiations within the Security Council regarding this matter commenced earlier in the month. According to the UN’s reports, Haiti has witnessed over 2,400 deaths since the start of 2023 due to rampant gang violence. Gangs presently control approximately 80 percent of the capital, resulting in a surge in violent crimes, including kidnappings for ransom, carjackings, sexual assaults, and armed robberies.
