UN Approves Kenya’s Mission to Stabilize Haiti

The UN Security Council has approved a measure that will allow Kenya to send a security force to Haiti to help resolve and calm the political turmoil that has been taking place there. Ever since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, no municipal, legislative, or parliamentary elections have been held in years, creating a power vacuum. Gangs aligned with political parties have strengthened their grip on the country and have more power than ever. This has led to many evacuating and fleeing the country or certain neighborhoods in the capital, which are especially gang-controlled. This has led to chaos, and a lack of control, which desperately needs to be restored in order for elections to start taking place again. Kenya's stated goal is to create a safer environment in Kenya, which will enable elections to take place, which will help end the violence. Initially, it was hard to get the measure allowing Kenya’s actions through the security council, as both China and Russia objected. In the end, it was 13 of 15 in favor, with China and Russia abstaining from the vote. Many other Caribbean nations and African nations are joining Kenya and giving resources to the cause, while the US has promised $100 million in aid for the cause of putting down political unrest. There is concern, however, that Kenya, with all these resources, will abuse its power and will make the unrest worse, causing more problems. Historically, when other countries have interfered in Haiti, it has gone poorly. This could change this time around, but it seems unlikely. Kenya has been given access to go to Kenya for one year but is expected to have made progress by then. 

UN Approves Kenya’s Mission to Stabilize Haiti - The New York Times

By: Ben Pienkos