The United Nations Security Council voted Monday to send a multinational force to Haiti to tamp down the Caribbean nation’s wave of gang violence.
The vote received 13 affirmatives, with abstentions from China and Russia. The force will be led by the Kenyan military.
Under the resolution, the coalition will be deployed for a year with a review of its effectiveness after nine months.
Acting prime minister Ariel Henry asked for the UN’s intervention nearly a year ago. Henry has been Haiti’s interim leader since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July 2021 — one of the chief incidents that sparked the rash of killings and kidnappings, along with growing poverty and spiking inflation.
Henry has promised to hold elections once peace and security are restored.
“More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,” Haiti’s foreign minister Jean Victor Généus said. “It’s a glimmer of hope for the people who have been suffering for too long.”
Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said some officers were being taught French ahead of their deployment, which could come before the end of the year.
Jamaica, the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda also have pledged to send forces.
The U.S. has earmarked $100 million in aid to the Kenyan troops and has offered logistical support.
“We have taken an important step today, but our work to support the people of Haiti is not done,” U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
With News Wire Services
