U.S. Pulls U.N. Haiti Plan Facing Major Global Opposition

American flag waving against a cloudy sky.

The U.S. has withdrawn its proposal for a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti, bowing to opposition from Russia and China.

At a Glance

The U.S. has withdrawn its push for a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti due to opposition from Russia and China.
Haiti faces severe challenges including political instability, gang violence, and a humanitarian crisis.
The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 exacerbated the crisis, leading to increased gang control in Port-au-Prince.
Over 4.9 million Haitians require urgent humanitarian assistance, with millions facing severe food insecurity.
The U.S. shift in diplomacy aims to foster collaboration with Haitian leadership rather than conceding to Russia and China.

U.S. Withdraws Haiti Peacekeeping Proposal

The United States has retracted its push for a full-fledged United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti. This decision comes after considerable diplomatic pressure and opposition from Russia and China, who advocate for allowing more time for the present Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to prove effective. The U.S. aims to align with Haitian leadership and support local peace initiatives, voiced by Edgard Leblanc, head of Haiti’s transition council.

Haiti continues to face compounded crises, spurred significantly by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The political vacuum and ensuing instability have resulted in rampant gang violence in Port-au-Prince and a dire humanitarian condition affecting millions. Over 4.9 million Haitians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with severe food insecurity impacting large segments of the population.

The United States has dropped a push for the U.N. Security Council to ask for a plan to transform a security mission in Haiti – helping fight armed gangs – into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, a move made to appease Russia and China, diplomats say.https://t.co/TiUfksUxtF

— Michelle Nichols (@michellenichols) September 29, 2024

Diplomatic Maneuvering and International Reaction

The U.S. diplomatic pivot aims to strengthen collaboration with Haitian leaders and avoid an immediate U.N. peacekeeping deployment, acknowledging Russia and China’s reservations. Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy remarked, “We don’t want to prejudge MSS’s outcome. Too early to make conclusions.” These insights emphasize the complexities of transitioning to a United Nations peacekeeping force amid past controversies surrounding U.N. missions.

“We don’t want to prejudge MSS’s outcome. Too early to make conclusions.” – Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy

Despite these diplomatic developments, Haiti’s security situation remains dire. The current MSS initiative led by Kenya lacks a cohesive command structure and an integrated strategy, diminishing its effectiveness. Furthermore, the humanitarian context is severe, with over 700,000 people displaced and widespread food insecurity. The international community remains divided on the most effective path forward, balancing the urgency for intervention against the potential pitfalls of repeating past mistakes associated with U.N. missions.

Looking Forward: Governance and Stability

In moving forward, it’s essential to address not just the immediate security concerns but also long-term governance, economic development, and social cohesion facets essential for Haiti’s stability. The leadership and voices of the Haitian people themselves should remain central in crafting sustainable solutions. The Summit of the Future aims to endorse the U.N.’s innovative “Pact for the Future,” envisioned by Secretary-General António Guterres, which seeks to “reinvigorate global action” and enhance multilateral cooperation to tackle modern challenges.

“Reinvigorate the structures and the trust necessary for effective global governance.”

The ultimate goal of these diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts is to ensure a resolution to Haiti’s conflicts and deliver durable peace. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on the political will and support of U.N. member states, which remains notably divided. Historical examples of successes in Cambodia and Liberia underscore the necessity of combining strong U.N. leadership with international coalitions and robust local participation.