Russia and China have opposed the U.S. initiative to transition the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission amid escalating gang violence. Despite requests from Haitian leaders for increased support, the proposal raises concerns from both countries about the feasibility of deploying peacekeepers under current conditions. The ongoing financial crisis for the force exacerbates the urgency for effective intervention.
On Wednesday, Russia and China expressed their opposition to a U.S.-led initiative aimed at transitioning the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission. They convened a Security Council meeting as gang violence in Haiti escalates, with recent attacks leading to the closure of the Port-au-Prince airport. The gangs are reported to control approximately 85% of the capital, compromising the security situation.
The U.S. proposed this transition earlier in September in an effort to secure funding for the multinational force, which has been facing financial difficulties. Despite attempts to obtain approval from the 15-member Security Council, Russia and China declined to engage with the proposal, prompting a separate meeting where they articulated their concerns regarding the timing and feasibility of transforming the force.
China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Geng Shuang, emphasized the ineffectiveness of introducing peacekeepers to a region embroiled in conflict, stating, “Deploying a peacekeeping operation at this time is nothing more than putting peacekeepers into the front line of the battles with gangs.” Meanwhile, Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, criticized the failure of the initial supporters of the multinational force to secure adequate funding, arguing that the current conditions in Haiti do not warrant a peacekeeping mission.
Haitian authorities have requested a U.N. peacekeeping operation, with some support reflected in a resolution from the Organization of American States. Despite the urgent need for peacekeeping, officials indicated that the multinational force urgently requires additional resources and logistical support to effectively respond to the escalating violence.
Both Kenya and the U.S. voiced support for the transition of the multinational force to a peacekeeping operation. Kenya, through its national security adviser Monica Juma, pointed out recent successes in securing vital infrastructure. Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea urged the Security Council to take measures to restore security in Haiti, highlighting the benefits of leveraging existing U.N. resources.
The ongoing crisis in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with gang violence severely deteriorating public safety and security. The Kenya-led multinational force was deployed in response to escalating violence; however, it has faced challenges, particularly in terms of adequate funding and resource allocation. The U.S. proposed converting the multinational force into a U.N. peacekeeping mission as a means to address these funding issues. However, both Russia and China have raised concerns about this proposal, arguing that such a transition would exacerbate, rather than alleviate, the violence.
The recent developments in the U.N. Security Council illuminate the complex dynamics surrounding the proposed transition of the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti to a U.N. peacekeeping mission. With Russia and China opposing the initiative, concerns over the timing and conditions in which peacekeepers would operate dominate the discourse. As violence escalates in Haiti, the imperative for immediate assistance and effective intervention remains critical, with conflicting international perspectives complicating the route to sustainable peace.
Original Source: www.durangoherald.com
