The United States has ceased its efforts to persuade the United Nations Security Council to plan a transition of Haiti's security mission into a formal UN peacekeeping operation. This decision, made to accommodate Russia and China, comes as the Caribbean nation grapples with severe security challenges and a humanitarian crisis.
On September 29, 2024, diplomats revealed that the 15-member council is scheduled to vote on extending the mandate for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission until October 2, 2025. The MSS, initially approved by the UN in September 2023, was established in response to Haiti's request for assistance in combating armed gangs.
Despite being authorized by the UN Security Council, the Kenyan-led MSS is not an official United Nations operation. Countries voluntarily contribute funds and personnel to the mission. However, progress has been limited, with only 400 Kenyan police officers currently on the ground and insufficient funding.
Dmitry Polyanskiy, Deputy Russian UN Ambassador, stated that Russia prefers to allow more time for the MSS to establish itself, adding, "We don't want to prejudge MSS's outcome. Too early to make conclusions."
The transformation of the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation would have ensured reliable funding, equipment, and personnel. However, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, expressed earlier this month that establishing a UN peacekeeping force might not be the optimal solution for Haiti's current situation.
Haiti, the first independent black republic in the world, faces a dire humanitarian crisis. Gang violence has displaced over 700,000 people, according to UN estimates. The country, once known as the "Pearl of the Antilles" due to its natural beauty and resources, now struggles with widespread hunger, sexual violence, and mass displacements.
"I am convinced that this change of status, whilst recognizing that the errors of the past cannot be repeated, would guarantee the full success of the mission in Haiti."
Despite support from Edgard Leblanc, head of Haiti's transition council, for transitioning the MSS to a peacekeeping mission, many Haitians remain wary of an armed UN presence. This skepticism stems from previous missions that left behind a devastating cholera epidemic and sex abuse scandals.
Haiti's complex situation is further complicated by its history of political instability, including numerous coups and dictatorships. The country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, has faced multiple challenges, including a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010 that claimed over 200,000 lives.
As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti's economy heavily relies on remittances from its diaspora. The nation's unique cultural heritage, including its vibrant art scene, rich musical traditions like kompa and rara, and the official recognition of Voodoo as a religion, stands in stark contrast to its ongoing struggles.
With a population of approximately 11.4 million and a literacy rate of around 61% as of 2024, Haiti continues to face significant developmental challenges. The country's tropical climate makes it prone to natural disasters, exacerbating its environmental issues, including severe deforestation with only about 2% of its original forest cover remaining.
As the international community debates the best approach to support Haiti, the country's future remains uncertain. The upcoming UN Security Council vote will be crucial in determining the next steps for international assistance to this nation, which proudly holds the distinction of being the first country where enslaved people successfully overthrew their colonizers.