Guterres backs Kenya's push for UN support mission in Haiti

Antonio Guterres on Thursday told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that the fragile gains in Haiti must be protected, and expanded, efforts that require “decisive and coordinated international security support”.

The international support, he said, is key towards strengthening national efforts, protect the population and create the conditions for a return to the rule of law and credible, inclusive elections.

“I welcome efforts by members of this council to advance my February 24 proposal to strengthen the Multinational Security Support mission through UN logistical and operational support,” he added.

This adds push to President William Ruto’s call for the establishment of a support office for the Kenya-led mission.

In his phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on August 19, Ruto said they concurred on the imperative and support for a resolution at the UNSC that establishes a UN support office for the Haiti mission to aid efforts to stabilise and secure Haiti.

Kenya had initially pushed for the mission to be transitioned into a full UN peacekeeping mission, which failed to go through.

Guterresinstead in February recommended creating a UN support mission to back the MSS, which would be funded through the UN peacekeeping budget.

“Such a transition could be considered once significant progress has been made in substantially reducing gang territorial control. A realistic option is based on a dual-track strategy, with the United Nations assuming new roles to enable the MSS, the national police and Haitian authorities, to substantially reduce gang territorial control through peace enforcement,” the UN chief said.

He said the transition would require a robust mandate for the use of force and the capacities to conduct targeted operations against gangs.

However, the mission has decried inadequate funding and support.

Already, Kenya and the US are among seven countries, that have written to the UNSC requesting more support for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti.

The US, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Bahamas, Jamaica and Kenya have written to the UNSC, saying the current force does not have sufficient capabilities or resources to eradicate the gangs.

The US is also reportedly working on a resolution to submit to the UNSC to effectively fund the fight against gangs in Port-au-Prince, drawing on the recommendations by Guterres. A $2.6 billion roadmap over three years is also under discussion to stabilise Haiti.

National Security deputy adviser Joseph Boinnet was in Haiti mid this month and assured the Haitians of Kenya’s continued commitment to the mission. Boinnet, however, noted that commitment needed additional resources to help overcome operational challenges.

Guterres further noted that security measures in Haiti must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fuelling the violence.

“This includes an effective arms embargo, as well as a targeted expansion of sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and others connected to them. These steps are vital to cut off the weapons and money that sustain chaos. Enforcement – at ports, borders and online – must be strengthened, in close coordination with regional partners,” he said.