The mandate of the international security force, which is led by Kenya, was first approved for one year at the UN last October, but is now about to expire. This despite the fact that the force has only just started.
The deployment of the Kenyan forces has been repeatedly delayed due to legal obstacles in Kenya, and so far only around 400 police officers have arrived from the African country.
– At such a critical point, we need more funding and we need more personnel to achieve the goals of this effort, Blinken said at a press conference in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday.
Will call for a meeting at the UN
He went on to say that he plans to call a ministerial meeting at the UN General Assembly this month, in an attempt to raise more money, as well as extend the force’s mandate. So far, it is mainly the United States that has financed the force.
Blinken said on Wednesday that the US is considering formally calling on the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) to ensure sustained results in Haiti, something he repeated in Port-au-Prince on Thursday.
Promised $45 million
In addition, he met Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille, and at the same time promised 45 million dollars in humanitarian aid to Haiti. He also urged other countries to contribute money to the international security force.
More than 3,200 people were killed in Haiti from January to May, and gangs control about 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince. More than half a million people have been forced to leave their homes in recent years due to gang violence.
#requests #extended #mandate #security #force #Haiti
2024-09-06 06:43:21
Haiti’s Security Crisis: US Calls for More Funding and Personnel to Support International Security Force
The mandate of the international security force led by Kenya, established to support Haiti’s struggling security situation, is on the brink of expiration, despite only recently commencing operations. The deployment of Kenyan forces has been marred by legal obstacles, resulting in a mere 400 police officers arriving in Haiti to date. As the situation reaches a critical point, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for urgent attention and additional resources to achieve the mission’s objectives.
The Urgent Need for Enhanced Support
Speaking at a press conference in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, Blinken emphasized the requirement for increased funding and personnel to support the international security force. “At such a critical point, we need more funding and we need more personnel to achieve the goals of this effort,” he stressed. The current situation is dire, and it is essential to bolster the force to ensure the protection of Haitian citizens and maintain stability in the region.
A Call to Action at the UN
To address the pressing need for additional resources, Blinken plans to convene a ministerial meeting at the United Nations General Assembly this month. The meeting aims to secure further funding and extend the mandate of the international security force, which is currently mainly financed by the United States. This move seeks to galvanize international support and provide the necessary tools for the force to succeed in its mission.
Considering a UN Peacekeeping Force
During his visit to Haiti, Blinken also suggested that the US is contemplating a formal request for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to intervene and ensure sustained results in Haiti. This potential move underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the country’s security challenges.
Background of the Crisis
Haiti has been grappling with a deepening security crisis, marked by gang violence, kidnappings, and political instability. The international community has responded by deploying an international security force led by Kenya, with the mandate to support the Haitian government in restoring order and stability. However, the force’s deployment has been slow, and its effectiveness has been hampered by the limited number of personnel on the ground.
The Way Forward
The situation in Haiti is critical, and it is essential that the international community responds swiftly and decisively. The US call for additional funding and personnel is a crucial step towards supporting the Haitian people and restoring stability to the region. As the international security force continues to face challenges, it is vital that governments and organizations worldwide come together to provide the necessary resources and support to address the crisis in Haiti.
Conclusion
The international security force’s mandate is on the verge of expiration, and the situation in Haiti remains precarious. The US call for increased funding and personnel is a timely reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the crisis. As the international community comes together to support the Haitian people, it is crucial that we prioritize the deployment of additional resources to ensure the success of the mission and restore stability to the region.
Keywords: Haiti, International Security Force, Kenya, Antony Blinken, UN General Assembly, UNIFIL, Security Crisis, Gang Violence, Kidnappings, Political Instability.
