Secretary Antony Blinken's Visit to Haiti Amidst Rising Tensions

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently made a trip to Haiti, expressing support for the US-backed government and Kenyan police as they grapple with gaining legitimacy. The Kenyan forces have been unsuccessful in reclaiming Port-au-Prince from gangs and paramilitary groups, leading to the White House contemplating a shift from the mission in Haiti to a UN Peacekeeping force.

Blinken's Trip to Haiti

According to the Washington Post, Blinken's journey to Haiti represents an unconventional effort to bolster the country's interim leader and convey a message of support for a US-endorsed international policing mission that has yet to make a significant impact. In the aftermath of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenal Mosie in 2021, the Joe Biden administration supported Ariel Henry's claim to power in Port-au-Prince. However, under Henry's leadership, Haiti plunged into chaos, with paramilitaries and gangs seizing control of most of the capital city.

US and Kenyan Involvement

In response to the escalating situation, the White House and Henry devised a plan with Nairobi to deploy armed Kenyans to Haiti to wrest control from the armed groups and transfer it to the US-backed government. This plan, however, backfired when gangs shut down the airport in Port au Prince while Henry was in Nairobi finalizing the deal to deploy the Kenyan forces to Haiti. As a result, he was unable to return to the country. Following this, the White House withdrew support from Henry and forced his resignation. Subsequently, Washington formed a new government led by Prime Minister Garry Conille.

Current Situation in Haiti

Under Conille's leadership, the Kenyan police, financed by the US and equipped with military gear, finally arrived in Haiti. However, Nariobi’s security force has not made a significant impact on the ground, and Conille’s government has not gained legitimacy among Haitians. Facing a failing Haiti policy, the White House is considering escalating the Kenyan mission to Haiti by designating the police as official UN Peacekeepers. Brian A. Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs, confirmed that the Biden administration was contemplating this course of action.

Challenges for UN Peacekeeping Mission

However, Washington might face difficulties in garnering support for the UN Peacekeeping mission from both the Security Council and Haitians. Peacekeepers have a controversial history in Haiti, including causing a cholera outbreak that claimed over ten thousand lives and committing widespread acts of sexual violence against women.

Bottom Line

The situation in Haiti is complex and fraught with challenges. The US-backed Kenyan police have so far been unsuccessful in restoring order, and the prospect of a UN Peacekeeping mission brings its own set of problems. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the UN Peacekeeping mission will be successful, or will it exacerbate the situation further? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.