Kenya to Lead Multinational Force in Haiti: A United Nations Security Council Resolution in Making

Kenya to Lead Multinational Force in Haiti: A United Nations Security Council Resolution in Making

Kenya Steps up to Lead Police Force in Haiti

The United States has announced its intention to propose a United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorize Kenya to lead a multinational police force in Haiti. This step is a significant move in the ongoing battle against the gangs that control a considerable part of Haiti’s capital and are continuously spreading throughout the nation. After an urgent appeal by Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry last October, Kenya is the first country to consider leading a force for this purpose, offering to send 1,000 police personnel to train and assist the local Haitian National Police.

(Read Also: Rising Tensions in Haiti: The Kidnapping Crisis)

United States to Support Kenya’s Effort

The United States has applauded Kenya’s decision and has pledged its support. The U.S. will collaborate with other council members to formulate a resolution that will provide Kenya with the necessary backing to establish their presence in Haiti. It is the hope of the United States that this resolution will be adopted unanimously, reflecting the international community’s shared concern over the situation in Haiti.

Haiti’s Unusual Situation

The situation in Haiti is not typical, with everyday citizens living under the threat of gangs. A staggering 80% of the capital is reportedly under gang control, leading to a dramatic increase in killings, rapes, and kidnappings. This violence has spurred a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups. Adding to the turmoil is a political crisis with the lack of democratically elected institutions remaining in the country, leaving a leadership vacuum.

(Read Also: Uncertainty Surrounds Fate of American Nurse and Daughter Kidnapped in Haiti)

Haiti’s Foreign Minister and U.N. Secretary-General Welcome Kenya’s Offer

Haiti’s Foreign Minister Jean Victor Généus has expressed gratitude for Kenya’s offer and is looking forward to welcoming the proposed evaluation mission. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also echoed this sentiment, urging the Security Council to support the multinational operation in Haiti. He has encouraged U.N. member nations, especially those from the region, to join forces with Kenya in supporting Haiti’s police.

The Need for Additional Anti-Gang Police Officers

The U.N. independent expert for Haiti, William O’Neill, has estimated that up to 2,000 additional anti-gang police officers are needed in the country. According to the U.N. Secretary-General, this is not an exaggeration, highlighting the severity of the situation. Kenya’s offer to lead a force and send 1,000 police personnel is a step towards meeting this dire need.

(Read Also: International Intervention Looms in Haiti Amid Rising Violence and Political Instability)

Looking Ahead

Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has announced its plan to send a task force to Haiti in the coming weeks. This task force will assess the operational requirements for the police mission, setting the stage for the multinational force’s establishment. The U.S.’s proposed U.N. Security Council Resolution supporting Kenya’s role in Haiti signifies a crucial step in the international community’s joint effort to restore peace and stability in the troubled Caribbean nation.