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Russia and China have blocked efforts to transform Haiti’s current Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a full UN peacekeeping force, citing the failures of previous interventions. While their opposition has drawn criticism, it may actually offer a more pragmatic approach to stabilizing Haiti, one that avoids repeating the mistakes of the past.
Haiti’s previous experience with UN peacekeeping left lasting scars. The 2010 cholera outbreak, which resulted in over 10,000 deaths, was traced to UN troops, and numerous sexual abuse allegations have further damaged the UN’s credibility in the country. With such a history, it’s understandable why many in Haiti are wary of a renewed UN peacekeeping presence.
As we suggested before, the Kenyan-led MSS mission represents a more promising alternative. Its focus on working closely with Haiti’s National Police and building local capacity aligns with long-term goals of stability. Kenyan President William Ruto’s pledge to send additional officers signals a commitment to the mission, though it remains underfunded and undermanned.
China’s Deputy UN Ambassador Geng Shuang has argued that Haiti “does not have the conditions” for a peacekeeping force, a sentiment echoed by Russia. Their stance forces the international community to reconsider whether an external UN-led intervention is the right solution.
The United States, which has pledged $160 million in additional aid, should invest these funds into bolstering the MSS mission, rather than transitioning to a UN peacekeeping force. Funneling resources into strengthening the Haitian National Police, as we recommended in our previous editorial, will help address the root causes of instability without imposing foreign solutions.
While Russia and China’s motivations may involve broader geopolitical interests, their opposition highlights a need for international interventions to prioritize sustainable, locally-driven solutions. A UN peacekeeping mission risks repeating past mistakes, while a reinforced MSS could pave the way for lasting security in Haiti.
