THE UN APPROVED KENYA-LED SECURITY MISSION TO HAITI

Why in the News?

Haiti approached the United Nations seeking urgent help to combat deadly gang violence in the country, which has been responded by sending a foreign security mission to combat the spiralling violence in the country.

UNSC approved foreign security mission:

1. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) voted in favour to adopt the resolution drafted by the United States and Ecuador with 13 of the 15 members voting in favour of the mission.
2. The resolution condemned the widespread violence, criminal activities and human rights abuses in the Haiti region.
3. An international intervention in the form of a foreign security mission, led by Kenya was approved that shall adopt urgent temporary measures in coordination with the Haitian National Police.

Crisis in Haiti:

1. The country has been experiencing a surge in violence over the past year as armed groups took control of large parts of the country including its capital.
2. It has led to killings of nearly 2,800 people, including 80 minors between October 2022 and June 2023.
3. Crimes committed involved sexual violence, crimes against women, mass looting and burning of houses causing displacement of around 200,000 fleeing their homes.
4. Almost 50% the population is in need of humanitarian assistance.

Why is the UN sending a multinational security mission to Haiti?

1. A group of gangs called “G9 and Family” seized control of the entry of the main fuel port Varreux in the capital city protesting against decision to cut fuel subsidies in Oct, 2022.
2. The port blockade led to massive shortages in terms of gas and diesel, transportation and hospitalisation.
3. As per UNICEF report, operations of three-quarters of the country’s major hospitals were hit due to the blockade.
4. Shortage of bottled water erupted in the backdrop of a new outbreak of cholera.
5. This pushed the Haitian leaders to seek international help seeking a specialised armed force to counter gangs and their sponsors.
6. Delay was caused as the U.S. and the United Nations were hesitant to take the lead, which ended after Kenya proposed to head the multinational force.

The foreign security mission:

1. This will be unlike the U.N. peacekeeping mission to Haiti (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti- MINUSTAH) that ended in 2017 which was operated by the United Nations.
2. the multi-national security mission (MSS) approved by the UNSC will be led by Kenya, to provide “operational support” to the Haitian National Police which shall include:
   1. Building capacity to counter gangs
   2. Improve security conditions in the country
   3. Secure ports, airports and critical intersections
   4. make arrests in coordination with Haitian police. 
   5. create favourable conditions in the country to pave the way for elections.