UN Approves Sending Kenya-led Force to Haiti

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Facts

  • The UN Security Council voted Monday to send a Kenya-led multinational armed force to Haiti to help suppress violent gangs. It would mark the first time a force is deployed to the Caribbean nation in nearly 20 years.1
  • The US-drafted resolution was adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which illustrates that the situation in Haiti poses a significant threat to international peace and security.2
  • According to the resolution — passed with 13 votes in favor with China and Russia abstaining — the force will be on the ground for one year, with a review slated to take place after nine months.3
  • The multinational force is expected to guard airports, ports, schools, hospitals, and also vital traffic intersections. It would reportedly work with the Haitian National Police during targeted operations.4
  • Though it wasn't disclosed how big the force would be or how it would be funded, Kenya has previously proposed sending 1K troops, and the US has pledged logistical support and $100M in aid.5
  • Gang violence has reportedly killed over 3K and displaced nearly 200K people this year alone. According to the UN, 5.2M —almost half of Haiti's population — needs urgent humanitarian assistance.6

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2The east african, 3NPR Online News, 4New York Times, 5PBS NewsHour and 6Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Guardian. The UN's decision to send an armed force to Haiti is much welcomed by the Haitians, who have long suffered from rampant gang violence. The move comes after many citizens have left their homes in search of a better life in the US. All eyes are now on the Kenyan-led mission to restore order and bring back hope and stability to an impoverished nation.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Al jazeera. Deploying a multinational force in Haiti would legitimize the unelected leaders of Port-au-Prince. Moreover, the Caribbean nation has had bad experiences with past UN missions — including a 13-year mission that was maligned by allegations of sexual abuse. There's much at stake here and the international community can't afford another failure.

Predictions