Russia and China oppose the U.S. initiative to transition the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission, citing concerns over ongoing gang violence and funding issues. Both nations emphasize that peacekeepers should only be deployed where peace exists, warning against exacerbating the situation through a poorly-timed intervention.
On Wednesday, Russia and China articulated their opposition to a United States-led initiative to convert the Kenya-led multinational force currently deployed in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission. This assertion came during a UN Security Council meeting convened amidst escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, where the gangs reportedly control approximately 85% of the capital. The United States had proposed the transition to secure ongoing funding for the existing multinational force, which has faced severe financial constraints. However, both Russia and China deemed it inappropriate to discuss this transformation, emphasizing that deploying peacekeepers in a context of ongoing violence is misguided and will not provide the security needed in Haiti.
China’s Deputy UN Ambassador, Geng Shuang, articulated concerns that changing the mandate of the multinational force would complicate efforts to address its current funding crisis. He stated that peacekeeping operations should only be deployed in environments where peace exists, insisting that, “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 UN Ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the failure of countries that initially supported the multinational force to provide adequate funding, thereby contributing to the current chaos in Haiti.
The Kenyan national security adviser, Monica Juma, highlighted the urgent need for a surge in support for the multinational force, advocating for additional deployments and resources to bolster security operations. Despite ongoing challenges, she affirmed Kenya’s support for the Haitian government’s appeal to transition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission, underlining the necessity of addressing the urgent needs of the Haitian people in the face of escalating violence.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea reinforced the United States’ position, asserting that a transition would enable better utilization of existing U.N. resources and facilitate a comprehensive response to the crisis in Haiti. Furthermore, Dr. Bill Pape, a Haitian health professional, implored the UN Security Council to consider the dire circumstances faced by Haitian police and the multinational force, advocating for international assistance in restoring security until local policing capacity is adequately supported.
The ongoing situation in Haiti has worsened significantly, with gangs asserting control over the majority of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The deployment of a Kenyan-led multinational security force aims to restore order amidst rampant violence. However, financial constraints have hindered its operations, prompting the United States to propose a transformation into a U.N. peacekeeping mission to secure consistent funding. The opposition from Russia and China raises questions about the viability and appropriateness of peacekeeping forces in active conflict zones, emphasizing the need for existing forces to be adequately supported before any transition is considered.
The refusal of Russia and China to support the proposed transition of the Kenya-led force in Haiti to a UN peacekeeping mission reflects concerns about the appropriateness of deploying peacekeepers in an active conflict scenario. The ongoing gang violence presents significant challenges, underscoring the necessity for robust support and resources for the existing multinational force. As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on prioritizing the urgent needs of the Haitian populace and ensuring that international interventions are well-coordinated and adequately supported before implementation.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
