International cooperation efforts are intensifying as nations grapple with the spiraling security crisis gripping Haiti. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the provision of $160 million to support security initiatives aimed at bolstering the Haitian National Police's (PNH) fight against gangs as violence continues to escalate.
This new funding follows Blinken's earlier commitment of $45 million targeted at humanitarian aid announced on September 5. The U.S. aims to strengthen the PNH, which has struggled to contain the rampant gang violence taking over the capital city, Port-au-Prince. Blinken's announcement came during a multilateral meeting coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, where he expressed concern over the deteriorative conditions affecting the Haitian population.
During his remarks, Blinken stated, "The crisis in Haiti is dire, but we cannot lose hope or determination. We cannot stand by and watch more kidnappings, killings, and suffering." His visit to Haiti highlighted the urgent need for international intervention, especially as the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by Kenya, confronts significant resource and manpower challenges.
The meeting brought together representatives from several nations, including CARICOM members, Canada, France, and Kenya, as well as Haitian officials like Prime Minister Garry Conille and Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) President Edgar Gardy Leblanc Fils. The CPT's president underscored the dire need for international cooperation as Haiti struggles to regain stability.
Leblanc emphasized, “It is never too late to act rightly and learn from past mistakes. We want to explore transforming the MSS mission to a peacekeeping operation under UN mandate to build a future for the Haitian people.” He pointed out the necessity for international support to improve security conditions, allowing for the planned elections aimed at restoring governmental control.
Haiti has not seen elections since 2016, and Leblanc highlighted the importance of establishing conditions suitable for genuine democratic processes by February 2026. Without bolstered security frameworks, achieving these political goals appears increasingly unattainable.
Adding to the urgency, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader warned during his speech at the UN General Assembly of the potential “drastic measures” his administration would have to take if the international mission falters. With gangs controlling upwards of 80% of Port-au-Prince and significant violence impacting millions of civilians, the Dominican Republic has felt the pressure as tens of thousands of Haitians have fled their homes.
Haitian conflicts have led to increased fatalities, with over 3,600 deaths reported just this year—a staggering 70% increase compared to previous years. This violence has forced many Haitians to abandon their homes or seek refuge across the border, raising humanitarian concerns for neighboring nations.
President Abinader underscored the Dominican Republic's challenges, noting the high percentage of medical and educational services utilized by Haitians within its borders. “We cannot allow the effort made to date to fail. If the current efforts collapse, Haiti's total failure will follow," he cautioned.
The MSS mission, initiated by the UN Security Council, hopes to address the gang violence directly impacting both Haiti and its neighboring nations. Currently, approximately 407 police officers and soldiers from Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize are deployed to assist, yet this falls short of the 2,500 personnel pledged by various countries, with many facing logistical and funding hurdles. Blinken hinted at the possibility of transitioning the MSS operation to more conventional UN peacekeeping status, which would help secure continuous funding for deployment.
Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed confirmed the need for enhanced funding, noting the Trust Fund for the initiative has been underfunded as it seeks to raise approximately $600 million annually. So far, it has received less than $67 million from voluntary contributions, showcasing the urgent necessity for nations to refocus their priorities on Haiti.
Kenya, which has taken charge of the MSS, is slated to complete the full deployment by January. Kenyan President William Ruto has committed to supplying the remaining personnel, yet the mission's future hinges on unwavering global support and effective transition strategies to bolster Haiti's security apparatus.
Calls for international cooperation have sparked discussions within the UN on the potential of transforming the MSS operation to align with traditional peacekeeping mandates, urging member states to actively contribute both personnel and resources. Blinken outlined the need for this shift, indicating it could facilitate strategy adjustments and financial backing necessary for improving security operations across Haiti.
One significant challenge for the MSS is the integration and coordination of international forces. Currently leading the multinational force, Kenya faces limitations as only approximately 407 officers have been deployed, barely making headway against the high levels of gang violence. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed these sentiments, pointing out the vast humanitarian crisis and the uncompromising need for improved security before elections can commence.
Despite these pressing challenges, many leaders, including Haitian Prime Minister Conille, stress the need for optimism. Conille remarked on the strides made but acknowledged, “We are nowhere near winning this.” He emphasized, "The police force right now is underequipped to handle this, and will need support if we’re to be successful.”
Haiti's precarious situation demands determined international collaboration to stabilize the country before elections can be taken seriously. The stakeholders convening at various international forums express hope for significant changes, balancing immediate needs for security against the long-term stability goals set forth across the board.
For now, each country involved continues to grapple with their own objectives and the overarching need for cohesive action to resolve the Haitian crisis. The efforts and strategies developed today will likely dictate the path of Haiti and its people for years to come, for good or ill.
