Haiti’s ongoing battle with gang violence has drawn in global attention, but as the U.S. sends Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet with Haitian leaders, a new chapter in the struggle for stability is unfolding.
The stakes are high, and the U.S. appears to be reconsidering its approach, with discussions on shifting the Kenya-led security mission to a full-fledged U.N. peacekeeping operation.
On Thursday, Blinken will hold crucial talks with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and the transition council. The focus will be on solidifying the U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which has so far been plagued by numerous challenges, from financial setbacks to logistical failures.
Washington has already poured over Ksh42 billion into the initiative, but the mission’s progress has been painfully slow.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols expressed concerns over the mission’s performance. “Our goal is to have a mission that is effective, strong, able to deliver the kind of security progress that the Haitian people deserve,” Nichols remarked.
However, with just 400 Kenyan police officers deployed—well short of what was promised—the mission has struggled to gain traction.
Kenyan officers on the ground have faced pay delays and equipment shortages, hampering efforts to combat gangs that have overtaken much of Port-au-Prince. The gangs, notorious for recruiting minors, rape, and extortion, continue to operate with impunity. Over 578,000 Haitians have been displaced, and millions more face acute hunger. “It’s been frustrating. We don’t have enough equipment to do our jobs,” one Kenyan officer stated.
Blinken’s visit signifies a turning point. The U.S. is actively considering transforming the current mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, a move that could unlock more resources, advanced equipment, and broader military support from other nations.
“We’re seeing forward movement on the security side, but we also need to see progress on the political side,” Nichols emphasised.
Despite international contributions, the MSS mission remains underfunded. A shortfall of over Ksh21 billion threatens its continuity, even as countries like Canada step up their contributions. The MSS mission, initially ratified by the U.N. last October, faces political and logistical hurdles that have delayed progress. Now, there’s growing concern that without drastic changes, the mission will falter.
The proposed transition to a U.N.-led operation could offer hope. The U.N.’s resources would allow for access to helicopters, medical facilities, and a broader range of military forces. However, the plan faces geopolitical obstacles, particularly in securing approval from the U.N. Security Council, where key members like China and Russia may not be eager to back the shift.
For the U.S., stabilising Haiti is critical, not just for regional security but also for ensuring free and fair elections by 2026. But the mission’s struggles so far have raised serious doubts. “We’ve been waiting for real progress on security, but it’s clear that the current mission isn’t enough,” said a source close to the matter.
Haitians remain wary of foreign interventions. Memories of past U.N. missions, tainted by a devastating cholera outbreak and sex abuse scandals, linger. Yet, the situation on the ground remains dire, and with gangs controlling vast swaths of the capital, the need for external support has never been more pressing.
Blinken’s meetings in Haiti are expected to be a pivotal moment in determining the future of the mission. The U.S. has been the largest contributor, but with mounting pressure and internal challenges, the Biden administration is keen on finding a solution that will bring lasting peace.
Whether the U.S. will officially push for a transition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission remains to be seen, but Blinken’s visit is a clear indication that Washington is no longer content with the status quo. As the international community grapples with Haiti’s descent into chaos, all eyes are on Blinken’s next move.
This could very well be Haiti’s last chance to reclaim stability from the grip of gang rule.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE