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The Organization of American States (OAS) has unanimously approved the transition of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSSN) into a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation. This initiative, jointly proposed by Haiti and the United States, aims to provide credible international backing, facilitate transparent elections, and restore constitutional order in the Caribbean nation.
Ahead of the vote, Haiti’s ambassador to the OAS, Gandy Thomas, emphasized that Haiti stands “at a crossroads, facing immense challenges but also opportunities for stabilization and democratic renewal.”
“This resolution transcends the interests of a single nation; it symbolizes the cohesion and shared responsibilities of regional states to support Haiti on its path to peace and institutional governance,” Thomas stated.
Recent steps taken by Haiti, including the transition to a new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, and the formation of a new cabinet, were highlighted by Thomas as signs of efforts to reinforce governance.
“We reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Haiti that aligns with the values upheld by our hemisphere,” Thomas concluded.
The Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the OAS, Mayerlyn Cordero Díaz, also expressed support for the transformation of the mission into a peacekeeping operation. “Haiti requires a sustained and structured commitment to restore peace, rebuild its institutions, and guarantee security for its population,” she stated, underlining her country’s proximity and vested interest in Haiti’s stability.
Cordero Díaz further highlighted the Dominican Republic’s pledge to support the operation, emphasizing that Haiti’s stability is intrinsically linked to regional peace and security. “We advocate for a coordinated, comprehensive approach to address the Haitian crisis, recognizing its direct impact on our shared region.”
The United States also voiced its appreciation for the collaborative effort leading to the resolution’s approval. U.S. Ambassador to the OAS, Frank Mora, stated, “Our collective support sends a clear signal that Haiti is not alone.”
However, Mora stressed that peacekeeping alone would not solve Haiti’s challenges. “Long-term stability in Haiti requires a collective international effort that addresses the underlying social, political, and economic causes,” he added.
