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The renewed push for a UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, proposed by the U.S. and Ecuador, threatens to repeat past mistakes. The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, though still in its early stages, offers a more promising route to stabilizing Haiti than a return to traditional UN peacekeeping. However, discussions at the United Nations suggest that some key international players are considering replacing the Kenya-led mission with a more conventional UN operation. This would be a step in the wrong direction.
While U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently pledged $160 million in new aid to support security and development in Haiti, including backing for the current mission, this funding should be used to reinforce the Kenyan-led efforts rather than transitioning to a UN-led force. Kenyan President William Ruto also recently visited Haiti and announced the deployment of an additional 600 Kenyan police officers, further reinforcing the mission. This effort is crucial for combating the powerful gangs that have ravaged the country, causing mass displacement and political paralysis. Yet, the idea of shifting the mission to a full-scale UN peacekeeping operation has gained traction, even as the Kenyan mission awaits more time and resources to prove its efficacy.
Ruto’s optimistic assessment of the mission, however, was contradicted by United Nations security expert William O’Neill. Just days before Ruto’s visit, O’Neill warned that Haiti’s National Police lack the “logistical and technical capacity” to effectively combat the gangs. His warning highlights the need for more focused support to build local capabilities, rather than relying on external peacekeepers.
Haiti’s history with UN peacekeeping is marred by significant controversies. The 2010 cholera outbreak, linked to UN troops, claimed over 10,000 lives. Numerous cases of sexual abuse by UN forces have also been documented. These past failures make the idea of reinstating UN peacekeepers deeply unpopular and, more importantly, unwise. Haiti cannot afford another misstep that undermines its sovereignty and leaves lasting damage.
Instead, efforts should focus on building Haiti’s internal capacity. The Kenyan-led mission, while not without its challenges, represents a new approach. The United States’ $160 million pledge is a substantial investment that should be funneled into reinforcing the MSS mission, providing critical resources such as manpower, equipment, and training to Haiti’s National Police. Bolstering local institutions, rather than relying on an external force, is the key to a sustainable solution.
The international community must reconsider its approach. A traditional UN peacekeeping mission would only risk repeating history, delaying progress and deepening Haiti’s dependency on foreign forces. The additional Kenyan reinforcements, combined with strategic financial and logistical support from the U.S. and other partners, could be the best path forward in restoring stability and security to Haiti without compromising its sovereignty.
