Russia and China opposed a U.S. initiative to reform the Kenya-led force in Haiti into a UN peacekeeping mission, citing the current lack of peace in the country. Gang violence has surged, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, while funding issues persist for the existing multinational force.
On Wednesday, Russia and China expressed their opposition to a United States-led initiative aimed at transforming the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission. The council convened as gang violence escalated in Haiti, leading to significant disruptions, including attacks on aircraft and neighborhoods. While the U.S. seeks to secure consistent funding for the mission amidst a prevailing financial crisis, both Russia and China argue that conditions in Haiti are not conducive for peacekeeping operations, emphasizing the necessity of immediate assistance rather than peacekeeping forces that would be unprepared for the existing conflict.
Haiti has been grappling with severe gang violence, with estimates suggesting that gangs control approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Amidst a dire security situation, the Kenyan-led force was assembled to assist local police; however, it suffers from underfunding and personnel shortages. In this context, the United States proposed the transition to a UN peacekeeping mission to secure consistent financial support, which Russia and China opposed, citing the need for stability and immediate humanitarian assistance over peacekeeping.
The clash over the proposed transformation of the Kenyan-led multinational force into a UN peacekeeping mission underscores the challenge of addressing Haiti’s security crisis. While the U.S. advocates for peacekeeping support to stabilize the country, Russia and China highlight the necessity of immediate resources and capabilities to address the ongoing violence. As discussions continue, the plight of the Haitian people remains a focal point, necessitating urgent international action to avert further deterioration.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
