The United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of Kenya-led forces to Haiti to address the rising gang violence situation in the latter country.
The approval came on Monday for a yearlong multinational security mission for Haiti, which would be led by Kenta and aims to crack down on rampant gang violence. The situation has unraveled life for many people in the Caribbean nation.
Security Mission for Haiti
The 15-member Council voted to authorize a mission that would work to guard critical infrastructure, including airports, ports, schools, hospitals, and key traffic intersections. The mission would also carry out "targeted operations" along with the Haitian National Police.
So far, Kenya has pledged at least 1,000 security personnel, and several other countries are expected to offer other resources for the mission. Officials reported that nearly 3,000 people have already been killed in Haiti from October last year until June this year.
The death toll comes as gangs took over large areas of the country, particularly Port-au-Prince, the nation's capital. Many neighborhoods have cleared out as people were forced to flee widespread murders, kidnappings, and extortion, as per the New York Times.
Groups of gangs aligned with political parties have strengthened their grip on the country since the assassination of President Joevenel Moise in 2021. No municipal, legislative, or parliamentary elections have been held in the nation for several years, creating a power struggle.
One goal of the UN-approved security mission is to create safe conditions that would allow the people of Haiti to hold elections without fear for their well-being. The Council voted 13 in favor of the resolution, with two nations abstaining from a vote, China and Russia.
Former Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus called the resolution a "glimmer of hope" for those suffering too long because of gangs. He added that it was more than a simple vote, arguing that it was an expression of solidarity with a distressed population.
Addressing Gang Violence
The resolution also comes after repeated calls for military assistance by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the United States government have also strongly urged the international community to provide support for such a mission, according to CNN.
The newly approved multinational security support force will have a 12-month mandate in Haiti and the timing of its arrival is not yet set. Additionally, more countries were invited to participate as it calls for a global stop to arms sales in Haiti, except for approved security purposes.
Jean-Junior Joseph, an adviser to Henry, said that the Haitian government welcomed the vote of the UN Security Council. He added that they eagerly awaited with impatience the mission to combat general insecurity in the region.
Despite the approval of the mission, various details are yet to be released, including rules of engagement and exit strategy. While the mission is set for a one-year duration, officials can review it and choose to extend it after nine months, said the Washington Post.
