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A U.S.-backed proposal to transition the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operation faced a significant setback this week, with Russia and China vetoing the plan during a UN Security Council meeting. The vetoes have complicated efforts to address Haiti’s surging gang violence and underfunded security initiatives, leaving the force in a precarious position.
The multinational force, which began operations earlier this year, was proposed for transition to the UN framework in September. Advocates argued that the shift would provide critical financial and logistical support, ensuring sustainable operations. However, Russia and China opposed the move, citing concerns over conditions on the ground in Haiti and the potential risks to peacekeepers.
China’s Deputy UN Ambassador, Geng Shuang, criticized the proposal, arguing that the situation in Haiti remains unsuitable for a peacekeeping operation. “Deploying a peacekeeping operation at this time is nothing more than putting peacekeepers into the front line of the battles with gangs,” Geng stated, emphasizing that peacekeepers should be introduced only after a degree of stability is achieved.
Similarly, Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky acknowledged the severity of the crisis in Haiti but pointed to broader failures in addressing the root causes. He also criticized the international community for its lack of commitment to adequately fund the current mission.
Kenya, which has deployed 400 of its promised 1,000 police officers, has struggled to meet the demands of the mission. The force was initially envisioned to comprise 2,500 officers, but fewer than 500 are currently on the ground, hampering its effectiveness. Despite these challenges, Kenya has extended its commitment, with 600 additional officers expected to join by the end of November.
However, financial strain continues to jeopardize the mission. The UN trust fund established to finance the multinational force remains underfunded, with only $85.3 million of the $96.8 million pledged so far. Last month, Kenya appealed for urgent financial support from the international community to sustain its operations, but the funding gap persists.
Haiti’s crisis has reached alarming levels, with over 3,600 people killed this year alone, including more than 100 children, according to the UN. Gang violence has displaced more than 500,000 people, and the situation shows no signs of abating. UN human rights experts have warned that gangs are expanding their reach into previously unaffected areas, causing further displacement and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The multinational force, though present, has been unable to make a significant dent in the violence, underscoring the need for more resources and coordinated international support.
The veto from Russia and China leaves the fate of the Kenyan-led mission uncertain. Without the transition to a UN peacekeeping mission, the force remains dependent on voluntary contributions and lacks the comprehensive support mechanisms that come with UN oversight.
For Haiti, this development is yet another blow to efforts to stabilize the country. As violence continues to spread, international stakeholders must find a way to address the funding shortfall and ensure the mission’s sustainability.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the international community faces a critical juncture in its response to Haiti’s crisis. Kenya’s efforts to lead the mission, while commendable, are strained by inadequate resources and minimal troop contributions from other nations. The stalled proposal raises questions about the global commitment to addressing Haiti’s challenges and whether alternative solutions can be found to ensure long-term stability.
As the situation evolves, the focus will remain on whether international actors can bridge the gap between promises and action. For now, Haiti continues to endure the devastating consequences of unchecked violence and political instability.
