Haiti’s interim prime minister Garry Conille has expressed that the country is still far from overcoming the armed groups that have taken control of parts of the territory. He emphasized the urgent need for international support to restore safety and stability in the country. The surge in violence in February resulted in the resignation of the unelected prime minister, the establishment of a transitional presidential council, and the deployment of a UN-backed multinational police force led by Kenya.
The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti has received pledges of over 3,100 troops from around 10 countries, but only about 400 have been deployed so far. The mission’s one-year mandate is up for renewal in October, and the UN Security Council is set to vote on the matter at the end of September. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the inadequacy of funding for both the mission and the Haitian National Police, calling for urgent delivery on financial commitments and increased mobilization of resources for the mission and humanitarian response.
The violence and instability in Haiti have displaced over 700,000 people, with many living in makeshift camps in Port-au-Prince. The situation has also driven many Haitians to flee the country in search of safety. The United States, a key supporter of the MSS, has announced additional funding for development, economic, health, and security assistance for Haiti. There are discussions underway about potentially transitioning the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation, with Kenyan President William Ruto expressing support for the move.
The prospect of transforming the MSS into a UN peacekeeping mission has garnered mixed reactions from the Haitian population. While some welcome the increased support in the fight against armed groups, others are skeptical due to past negative experiences with UN interventions. Instances such as the 2010 cholera outbreak linked to a UN peacekeeping base, as well as allegations of rape and abuse by UN forces, have left a stain on previous missions in Haiti. Civil society leaders in Haiti have called for a balance between the use of force and other strategies such as bolstering and training the national police force, tackling corruption, and promoting a Haitian-led political process.
As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, the call for sustained international support remains crucial. The challenges facing the country cannot be resolved through force alone, and a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying issues such as corruption, governance, and social inequality is necessary. Efforts to strengthen Haiti’s institutions, empower its people, and foster sustainable development must be at the forefront of any intervention. Ultimately, the goal is to restore stability, security, and hope for the Haitian population, ensuring that they can rebuild their lives and country in the face of adversity.
