By Michelle Nichols
The United Nations Security Council is considering a draft resolution to extend the mandate for an international security mission assisting Haiti in combating armed gangs. The draft resolution, circulated by the United States and Ecuador, aims to transition the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation to sustain the gains made by the mission.
The council is set to vote on the mandate renewal on Sept. 30, requiring at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by key members like Russia, China, the United States, France, or Britain. The initial approval of the MSS mission came after Haiti requested assistance in fighting violent gangs that have taken over its capital, Port-au-Prince.
Currently, the mission has seen limited results due to a lack of troops on the ground and inadequate funding. However, with pledges from several countries for additional troops and financial support, there is hope for progress. So far, $68 million has been contributed to a dedicated U.N. trust fund for the mission.
Despite the potential benefits of transitioning the mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, there are concerns among some Haitians about the presence of armed U.N. forces. The country faced a cholera outbreak in 2010 caused by infected sewage dumped by U.N. peacekeepers, resulting in thousands of deaths and illnesses.
In conclusion, the draft resolution for extending and transitioning Haiti's security mission is crucial for maintaining stability and addressing the ongoing conflict in the country. It is essential for the international community to support Haiti in its efforts to combat armed gangs and promote peace and security.