The U.N. Security Council unanimously voted on Monday to extend the multinational force in Haiti fighting gang violence, rejecting the country’s request to transition to a U.N. peacekeeping operation.
China and Russia successfully removed a resolution paragraph that acknowledged Haiti’s transitional presidential council’s call at the U.N. General Assembly to discuss switching to a U.N. force, according to a final draft obtained by The Associated Press.
Edgard Leblanc Fils’ appeal on Thursday marked the first public support for the U.N. peacekeeping operation since the U.S. suggested it in early September to secure additional funding for the Kenya-led mission. Nearly 400 Kenyan officers and over two dozen Jamaican military personnel are currently stationed in Haiti, far fewer than the 2,500 officers promised by several countries, including Bangladesh, Chad, Benin, and Barbados.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated the 15-0 vote sends a strong message of international support for Haiti. She emphasized the urgent need for financial contributions to the multinational force and called for serious consideration of Haiti’s request for a U.N. peacekeeping operation.
A senior U.S. official noted that adopting the resolution would initiate a collaboration between the U.S., allies, and Haitian authorities to transform the operation into a peacekeeping force. Those opposing the U.N. presence will need to justify their stance against the Haitian government’s request.
China’s deputy ambassador, Geng Shuang, argued that previous U.N. peacekeeping missions in Haiti had unsatisfactory outcomes, stressing that considering other options now would impede the ongoing efforts. He asserted that Haiti lacks the conditions for peacekeeping operations.
Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky echoed this sentiment, stating that it is premature to plan any changes to the international presence so soon after the Kenyan police deployment.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, gangs have strengthened their control, reportedly managing up to 80% of the capital, leading to civilian unrest due to rising violence.
Leblanc highlighted that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain, with Haitians unable to travel safely or send their children to school.
The U.S. and Ecuador co-sponsored a brief resolution extending the Multinational Security Support mission until October 2, 2025, while urging for increased volunteer support and rapid deployment.