UN Security Council Greenlights International Deployment to Aid Haiti Crisis – Unveiling Hope Amidst Destruction

The deployment of an armed multinational force to Haiti has been authorized by the United Nations Security Council, in response to the country's ongoing struggles with high levels of gang violence and political paralysis.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has consistently requested military assistance, and both United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the United States have strongly advocated for international support towards this mission.

The resolution received approval from thirteen council members, while Russia and China refrained from voting. Despite being endorsed by the influential UN Security Council, the force will not be officially administered by the UN. Kenya is anticipated to lead the mission, providing 1000 police officers. Additionally, several Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, have extended their assistance to the mission.

The force is set to have a 12-month mandate in Haiti, although the specific timing of its arrival has not been determined. Additionally, more countries have been invited to partake in the mission. Jean-Junior Joseph, an adviser to Haitian Prime Minister Henry, expressed enthusiasm for the vote, stating, "We eagerly anticipate the mission's efforts in addressing the prevailing security concerns."

Warring factions exert their control over a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, the capital city and primary seaport of Haiti, effectively obstructing essential routes for supplying the rest of the country. In addition, the presence of these gangs has instilled fear among the city's inhabitants, resulting in the displacement of approximately 200,000 individuals who have been subjected to indiscriminate acts of violence, such as killings, kidnappings, arson, and rape.

Obtained by CNN

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Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22nd, Prime Minister Henry emphasized the urgency of obtaining Security Council approval for a military mission to restore order in Haiti. He highlighted the detrimental impact of violence, which has contributed to a wider state of instability in the country. Additionally, Henry pointed out that inflation has exceeded 50%, leading to 4.9 million Haitians facing severe challenges in accessing food, marking a distressing milestone for the nation.

The international community is called upon by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to endorse the plan and extend aid, including personnel. Blinken has emphasized that the US is prepared to offer substantial financial and logistical aid and aims to secure $100 million with the help of Congress for this initiative.

In an attempt to disperse a crowd seeking refuge from armed gangs, officers of the Haitian National Police, are seen firing tear gas near the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on July 25, 2023. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol

Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

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The mission aims to enhance local security and support the Haitian National Police in their efforts to combat the gangs. While Haiti's security forces receive international assistance, they still face inadequate staffing and insufficient armament. Detractors of the mission have highlighted the scandals linked to previous UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti, such as accusations of sexual abuse and the devastating outbreak of cholera, resulting in approximately 10,000 fatalities.

There are concerns among some Haitians regarding Prime Minister Henry's authority, as he assumed leadership following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Henry has expressed that Haiti's much-needed elections cannot take place until the country attains a minimum level of security.

Reporting contributed by CNNs Alex Marquardt.