Multinational Coalition Security Force to Help Haiti Tackle Gangs
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Hashim Sheikh - . October 4, 2023
- . Update: October 4, 2023 4:43 pm
Kenya-led multinational coalition security force, approved by the UN Security Council, is bound for Haiti to combat gang menace.
This coalition force, called the “Multinational Security Support Mission” (MSS), will be deployed in the Caribbean Island for a year to stamp out crime and gang violence. It will protect hospitals, schools, airports, traffic intersections and ports with the Haitian National Police.
The MSS, as per a senior US official, will support and strengthen the Haitian police force’s ability to provide security for the Haitians.
Haiti is facing widespread gang violence rapes, and murder, attributed to the island’s political and economic instability. According to a UN report, at least 2,728 people were murdered between October 2022 and June 2023.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, gangs have taken control over much of the country. This year alone saw Haitian civilians being shot dead and people have been lynched, amid increasing violence. This has driven Haitians to seek shelter in neighboring countries and the US.
Haiti Needs International Intervention
Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested international intervention to stamp out the violence in Haiti. As such, Kenya volunteered to take charge in an effort to help the Caribbean island.
Jean Victor Geneus, Haiti’s foreign affairs minister, described this as an expression of solidarity with a population in distress. He said it’s a glimmer of hope for the people who have been suffering for too long.
Jack Sullivan, national security adviser, said this is an important milestone in bringing much-needed help to the people of Haiti. “We thank our partners at the council for moving swiftly to approve this decision, which formally endorses the mission and lays the framework for how the international community can best support Haiti at this critical time.”
The adviser said it’s critical to focus on making progress in mobilizing the international support necessary to deploy this mission swiftly, effectively and safely.
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US Gives $100mn Boost to Coalition Force
For this mission, the Biden administration is providing $100 million support and another $100 million, including airlifts, intelligence, communication and medical funds, as well as training support for the Haitian National Police.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, said they hope the mission works to provide much-needed stability, and works to provide security so that fewer Haitians will feel the need to leave the country.
