UN Security Council members raise alarm over Haiti situation

UN Security Council members urge for deployment of an international mission to Haiti to deescalate the situation

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members expressed concerns over the Haiti situation, with member Ecuador, who called the council meeting, calling for an international mission to be assigned to the country.

Last week, armed gangs controlling significant areas of the country launched a coordinated effort to remove Prime Minister Ariel Henry from power, initiating attacks on the airport, prisons, and police stations, and escalating the threat of a full-scale civil conflict.

The United States advocated for free elections under the leadership of the prime minister, without explicitly calling for his resignation – a demand put forth by influential gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherisier.

Henry has been in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, and his term is scheduled to end in February. However, he recently agreed to a power-sharing arrangement with the opposition until new elections can be organized.

Gang leader Cherisier issued a warning on Tuesday, cautioning that the deteriorating situation could spiral into civil war and widespread violence unless President Henry steps down.

The escalating crisis has prompted the evacuation of at least 15,000 individuals from the most affected areas of Port-au-Prince.

United Nations rights chief Volker Turk described the situation on Wednesday as “beyond untenable,” citing 1,193 people killed nationwide this year due to gang-related violence.

During the recent turmoil, Henry has been unable to return to Haiti. He was in Kenya advocating for the deployment of a U.N.-backed multinational police mission to stabilize the country.

On Tuesday, Henry’s attempt to land in the neighboring Dominican Republic was denied. He later arrived in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the island’s governor, although the duration of his stay remains unclear.

Exisiting UN mission in Haiti

Despite the calls by UNSC members, there was already a U.N. mission in Haiti which became unsuccessful. 

The mission was known as MINUSTAH, which served from 2004 to 2017. It was established to promote stability, security, and the rule of law in response to political turmoil and violence.

MINUSTAH conducted various activities such as disarmament, police training, and support for elections.

In 2017, MINUSTAH was replaced by MINUJUSTH, which focused on developing the Haitian justice system and promoting human rights. 

Due to fears of instability, MINUJUSTH said it completed its mandate on Oct. 15, 2019, putting an end to 15 consecutive years of peacekeeping operations in the country. 

Source: Newsroom

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