UN approves international mission to Haiti to counter gang violence
Global News
Kenya will lead the mission that will deploy to Haiti for one year, according to the resolution approved by 13 council members. China and Russia abstained from the vote.
The United Nations Security Council voted on Monday to send a multinational force to Haiti to combat violent gangs that have overwhelmed the Caribbean country.
Kenya will lead the mission that will deploy to Haiti for one year, according to the resolution approved by 13 council members. China and Russia abstained from the vote.
The resolution drafted by the U.S. and Ecuador authorizes the so-called Multinational Security Support mission “to take all necessary measures” — not ruling out the use of force if necessary.
A deployment date has not been set, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently said a security mission to Haiti could deploy “in months.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the council in August that a “robust use of force” by a multinational police deployment and the use of military assets was needed to restore law and order in Haiti and disarm gangs.
Earlier this year, Canada rejected calls from Western allies to lead such a mission, prompting the UN to seek out other countries who could do so.
Kenya stepped forward in July with a pledge of 1,000 police. The Bahamas then committed 150 people, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are also willing to help.
Last month, the Biden administration promised the U.S. would provide logistics and US$100 million to support the Kenyan-led force.