In a recent announcement, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres revealed plans to request that the United Nations take on the financial responsibility for the structural and logistical costs of a multinational force in Haiti. The force is currently facing challenges in combating violent gangs within the country.
Guterres made this proposal during a meeting in Barbados with leaders from the Caribbean trade bloc Caricom. The initiative aims to address the pressing issue of gang violence in Haiti and establish a more secure environment for democratic processes to flourish.
The multinational force, which includes around 800 Kenyan police officers along with soldiers and police from other nations like Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, is working in collaboration with Haiti's National Police. However, concerns have been raised by the U.S. and other countries regarding the mission's staffing and resource deficiencies.
Guterres emphasized the urgent need for action in Haiti, describing the current situation as dire due to the atrocities inflicted by gangs on the population. He stressed the importance of a political process led by the Haitian people to restore democratic institutions through free and fair elections.
Despite efforts to schedule elections by February 2026, challenges persist, including the control of significant portions of the capital by gangs. The International Crisis Group cautioned against rushing into elections prematurely, citing the risk of increased violence and potential manipulation by criminal elements.
Haiti has been grappling with political instability since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The country has not held elections for nearly a decade, further complicating the path towards establishing a stable government.
The transitional presidential council, led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, faces mounting pressure to navigate the complex political landscape and ensure a peaceful transition of power. The availability of funds for organizing elections remains a critical factor in determining the feasibility of the proposed electoral timeline.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Haiti, concerns persist over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis affecting the population. The need for coordinated efforts to address security challenges and support democratic processes in the country remains paramount.
