UN Weighs Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti Amid Rising Gang Violence

Haiti is grappling with an escalating security crisis as gang violence continues to surge, exacerbating political instability and displacing thousands. Recent weeks have seen armed gangs extend their reach into previously safer areas of Port-au-Prince, disrupt commercial flights, and intensify attacks. The worsening violence coincides with political upheaval, including the replacement of the prime minister, leaving the Caribbean nation in urgent need of support. Haitians, caught in the crossfire, are fleeing their homes in increasing numbers.

Haitian leaders have urged the United Nations to convert the underfunded Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a full-fledged peacekeeping force. The MSS, which deployed partially in June, has been criticized for its lack of resources, with only 400 Kenyan troops on the ground—far below the pledged 3,100—and a fund of less than $100 million. Proponents of the transition argue that a peacekeeping mission would bring more robust funding and personnel, enabling an effective response to the growing threats. However, resistance from Russia and China has stalled these efforts, as both countries argue that Haiti's unelected leadership undermines the legitimacy of the request.

At a recent UN Security Council meeting, Russia and China opposed the proposal, suggesting that Haiti needs a more stable environment before deploying a peacekeeping force. They recommended prioritizing resources to fully implement the MSS’s existing commitments instead. In contrast, most other members of the council expressed support or openness to the transition, pending a detailed report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Haiti's UN Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue warned that the MSS’s current financial, human, and logistical challenges leave it incapable of addressing the scale of the crisis. Rodrigue also urged that any future peacekeeping mission avoid repeating past mistakes, such as those that led to human rights abuses and a cholera epidemic.

The violence has significantly disrupted essential services in Haiti, including healthcare. Jean "Bill" Pape, a prominent Haitian infectious disease expert, described the growing toll on his organization, with over two-thirds of his employees forced to flee their homes due to gang activity. As the crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to decide on the next steps, balancing immediate security needs with the long-term stability of the nation.