U.S. Considers Multinational Police Force to Tackle Gang-Controlled Areas in Haiti

U.S. officials are actively working towards the possibility of establishing a multinational police force in Haiti to combat the scourge of gang-controlled territories. During a recent press conference, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, commended Kenya’s willingness to take the lead in providing support for this initiative, as they requested the U.N. Security Council’s assistance. Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, Thomas-Greenfield stated that a resolution is currently being drafted in collaboration with Security Council members to adequately equip Kenyan forces for their mission on Haitian soil.

Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged the unconventional nature of this endeavor, emphasizing the unprecedented security situation in Haiti. Gangs have wreaked havoc, overpowering communities and instilling fear in innocent civilians. The dire circumstances necessitate a swift and unconventional response to restore order.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed the call for a multinational force in Haiti to combat the alarming levels of insecurity stemming from rampant gang violence. In a statement, Blinken urged Haitian stakeholders to rally behind political consensus and reinstate democratic governance as outlined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. He expressed gratitude towards organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States, particularly their Haiti Working Group led by Trinidad and Tobago, for their invaluable support in these collective efforts.

The urgent need for intervention originated from Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who urgently requested the deployment of a specialized armed force to combat the escalating gang presence in October of last year. These gangs now hold a staggering 80 percent control over the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The brazen display of power by these criminal organizations follows the assassination of former Haiti President Jovenel Moïse last July, which further contributed to the rise of civilian vigilante groups attempting to combat the surge in crimes across the country.

In summary, as Haiti grapples with the grip of rampant gang-controlled areas, U.S. officials are proposing the formation of a multinational police force to restore peace and security. Acknowledging the urgency of this situation, various international entities are collaborating to draft a resolution that will equip Kenyan forces with the necessary tools to establish their presence on the ground.