Russia and China oppose upgrading of Haiti mission to UN peacekeeping operation

During a UN Security Council briefing, the two countries opposed transformation of the mission as proposed by Ecuador and the United States in a draft resolution submitted before the council. 

It was China’s argument that there is no peace to keep in the Caribbean nation that has been rocked by longstanding gang violence. 

China argued that the Security Council should instead be focused on promoting the deployment of forces under the MSS and enabling it to play its role in restoring peace. 

In exercising its veto power, China said the peacekeeping operation should be based on “the fact that there is peace to keep”. 

Russian delegate, while opposing the upgrade of the mission said “Conditions on the ground in Haiti are not appropriate for UN peacekeeping operations.” 

He further accused the United States of external interference in Haiti, warning of taking hasty decisions. 

“The United States stands with the Haitian people, the Haitian National Police, the MSS mission, including the brave Kenyan, Jamaican, Belizean, and Bahamian forces, in their efforts to restore security. As we have heard, the MSS mission and the HNP have managed to help protect residents, help capture weapons, and help repel gangs in several areas,” said Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the US Deputy Representative to the United Nations. 

“Let us heed the consent of the host country, and its desire for stability, security, and a Haitian-led political solution through free and fair elections as soon as possible,” Shea urged the briefing attended by Kenya’s Security Adviser Monica Juma. 

In September 30, the council renewed the mandate of the Kenya-led mission that aims at deploying 2,500 officers to assist Haiti’s beleaguered police force to curb rampant gang violence and enable a conducive environment for free and fair elections.

In the past week, the UN reports that at least 150 people have been killed in the gang violence, 92 others injured and about 20,000 forced to flee their homes. Violence has intensified in capital Port-au-Prince since November 11, as a coalition of gangs pushes for full control. 

The developments follow a decision by the transitional council tasked with re-establishing democratic order in Haiti to sack Prime Minster Garry Conille. The council on November 11 appointed entrepreneur Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the new Prime Minister.