The Biden administration has withdrawn its pursuit to convert the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping operation due to opposition from China and Russia. A draft resolution will now seek only a one-year renewal of the current mission’s mandate rather than formalizing it into a peacekeeping operation, amidst ongoing financial and operational challenges.
The Biden administration has decided to forego its initiative to transition the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti into a formal United Nations peacekeeping operation. This decision arises after significant opposition from China and Russia during discussions at the United Nations. As a result, the proposed language for this transition has been omitted from the latest draft resolution. Instead, the resolution now seeks only to secure a one-year renewal of the mandate for the Multinational Security Support mission, which is scheduled for a vote at the U.N. Security Council on Monday. If approved, the mandate would extend until October 2025. During the negotiations, Russia and China consistently opposed any language that would suggest the Security Council should begin planning to formalize the mission into a U.N. peacekeeping operation, arguing that the current conditions in Haiti do not support such a transition. The revised resolution emphasizes the need to extend the operation’s mandate for one year while urging faster deployment of police officers and increased voluntary financial contributions from the international community. Financial constraints have notably hampered the deployment of approximately 2,500 foreign security personnel and hindered efforts to assist Haiti National Police in their battle against armed gangs. As of now, after several months since the first contingent of Kenyan police officers arrived, only about 400 foreign security personnel are operational in Haiti. The Biden administration initially pursued the peacekeeping option in hopes of establishing a reliable funding mechanism for the under-resourced mission, which has seen insufficient backing despite the pressing security needs in Haiti. Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council with veto power, have not only been critical of past U.N. interventions in Haiti but have refrained from contributing to the existing mission, asserting that the mission must reach full deployment before formalization is considered. While China substantially contributes to U.N. finances, it has demonstrated limited interest in the specific mission in Haiti. Russia has similarly conveyed a reluctance to assist U.S. efforts in international matters, including those relating to Haiti. The United States continues to be the predominant financial supporter of the multinational security mission, having allocated over $300 million and is striving to garner additional contributions for a U.N. trust fund intended to support operations, which Kenya estimates will cost $600 million annually. Should the current draft resolution pass, it will allow Russia and China to express support for Haiti by endorsing the Kenya-led mission while simultaneously minimizing assistance to the United States, which may still bear the majority of the financial responsibilities for another year.
The situation in Haiti has been precarious, marked by political instability and escalating violence from armed gangs. The Multinational Security Support mission, led by Kenya, was established to provide security assistance and support the Haitian National Police amid these challenges. The Biden administration’s earlier push to formalize this mission into a United Nations peacekeeping operation stemmed from a need for robust funding and support. However, opposition from China and Russia has thwarted these efforts, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics at play within the Security Council and highlighting the complexities of international intervention in Haiti.
In summary, the Biden administration has abandoned its efforts to establish a U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti due to opposition from Russia and China. Instead, a one-year extension of the current Kenya-led security mission will be sought, emphasizing the urgent need for increased international support and funding to tackle the security crisis. As the U.S. remains the primary contributor to this mission, it faces significant challenges in securing broader international assistance to alleviate financial burdens and ensure effective operations in Haiti.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
