The Futility of UN Peacekeeping in Haiti: An Absence of Peace to Keep

Haiti, a nation grappling with deep-seated political instability and rampant gang violence, finds itself at a critical juncture. The crumbling presidential palace serves as a stark metaphor for the fragile state of governance, underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention. The international community, led by the United Nations, is wrestling with the complex challenge of restoring order and security in the beleaguered Caribbean nation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed a nuanced approach, opting for a measured response rather than immediate deployment of a full-fledged peacekeeping operation.

Guterres’s strategy centers on bolstering the existing Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. This non-U.N. force, authorized by the Security Council, is tasked with supporting the Haitian National Police in combating the pervasive gang violence that has crippled the country. Recognizing the MSS’s limitations in resources and manpower, Guterres has advocated for the establishment of a dedicated U.N. support mission. This auxiliary force would provide essential logistical and operational assistance to the MSS, drawing funding from the U.N. peacekeeping budget to ensure financial stability. This approach aims to enhance the MSS’s effectiveness without prematurely committing to a full-scale peacekeeping operation, a move that carries significant political and logistical complexities.

The decision to prioritize support for the MSS reflects a cautious optimism tempered by the challenging realities on the ground. The assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 plunged Haiti into further turmoil, exacerbating existing political and social vulnerabilities. The Haitian National Police, understaffed and under-resourced, has struggled to contain the escalating gang violence, which has effectively seized control of large swathes of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A transitional government, tasked with organizing elections, faces immense obstacles in navigating this volatile landscape. Against this backdrop, the MSS represents a crucial, albeit nascent, effort to address the security crisis.

The international community remains divided on the optimal course of action. While some nations, including the United States and Ecuador, have advocated for a full-fledged U.N. peacekeeping mission, others, notably China and Russia, have expressed reservations. These concerns stem from a combination of factors, including Haiti’s past experiences with U.N. peacekeeping operations, which have been marred by controversies and allegations of misconduct. The absence of a stable peace to maintain also raises questions about the efficacy of a traditional peacekeeping deployment. Initially, a non-U.N. mission like the MSS was perceived as a more palatable alternative, given the sensitivities surrounding U.N. involvement. However, the Haitian government has since expressed a preference for a U.N. mission, recognizing the potential benefits of increased funding and resources that such a deployment would bring.

The MSS, launched in June 2023 with a mandate extending to October 2, 2025, is gradually taking shape. Comprised of personnel from various Caribbean and African nations, including the Bahamas, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Kenya, the mission currently operates with approximately 1,000 personnel. This figure falls significantly short of the planned 2,500 personnel, highlighting the challenges in securing adequate manpower. Funding has also proven to be a major hurdle, despite voluntary contributions from several countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. The MSS trust fund, while having received substantial donations, remains far from reaching its funding goals, underscoring the need for continued international support.

Guterres has emphasized the importance of the MSS as the most viable option for stabilizing Haiti in the medium term. He has urged the international community to rally behind the mission, providing the necessary resources and political backing to ensure its success. A fully staffed and adequately funded MSS, he argues, holds the key to empowering the Haitian police to reclaim control from the gangs and protect the civilian population. The success of this approach hinges on the ability of the international community to overcome its divisions and provide unwavering support to Haiti in its struggle to restore order and rebuild its shattered institutions. The future of Haiti depends on a concerted and sustained effort to address the root causes of its instability, fostering a path towards peace, security, and sustainable development. This requires not only security interventions but also addressing the underlying socio-economic challenges that fuel the cycle of violence and instability.