The UN Security Council gave the green light for a one-year international force in Haiti on Monday.
This move aims to tackle rising gang violence and boost internal stability.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the U.S., Canada, and the Dominican Republic had pushed for this action.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also advocated for it. Thirteen countries voted yes, while Russia and China abstained.
Mission Led by Kenya
Kenya will spearhead this international task force. Their plan unfolds in three phases. First, they will assist Haitian police in battling criminal groups.
Second, they aim to protect key sites and facilities. Lastly, the focus will shift to long-term fortification of Haiti’s law enforcement.
Kenya commits to sending 1,000 officers, while several nations from the Americas have also promised to join.
These include Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Suriname.
Haiti’s Persistent Crisis
For three decades, Haiti has struggled with political upheaval, health outbreaks, and natural disasters.
This turmoil has escalated into a dire social and humanitarian emergency, marked by violent incidents.
Since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, armed groups have seized about 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
As of this year, these criminal elements have killed nearly 2,500 people and kidnapped more than 950.
Additionally, reports of rape, arson, and forced relocations of 200,000 residents have emerged.