U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed pressing security challenges in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. They emphasized the successes of the MSS mission in Haiti, proposed its transition to a UN operation, and highlighted the necessity of funding for Somalia’s mission against al-Shabaab and releasing UN personnel in Yemen.
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres engaged in a significant conversation pertaining to critical security issues facing Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. Secretary Blinken commended the recent successes of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, designed to mitigate the escalating gang violence that has surged following President Jovenel Moise’s assassination in 2021. He further proposed evolving the MSS into a United Nations peacekeeping task force, an initiative that aligns with the requests made by the Haitian government for more enduring support. In their dialogue, the leaders also focused on the imperative of securing funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is essential to counter the persistent threats posed by al-Shabaab militants. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the urgent need to ensure the liberation of UN and diplomatic personnel currently detained by Houthi forces in Yemen, accentuating the precarious security landscape in the region.
The security situations in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen have drawn international attention due to escalating violence and instability. In Haiti, the assassination of President Jovenel Moise has led to increased gang violence, prompting calls for enhanced international support. In Somalia, al-Shabaab continues to execute attacks, necessitating the reinforcement of security measures through the African Union mission, while Yemen faces a humanitarian crisis intensified by the detention of international personnel by Houthi factions. This phone call underscores the urgency for collaborative global intervention.
The dialogue between Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres underscores a concerted effort to address pressing security challenges in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. By contemplating the transition of the MSS to a UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti, seeking financial support for Somalia’s stabilization mission, and advocating for the release of detained personnel in Yemen, the leaders emphasize the need for a robust and cooperative international response to these crises.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
