U.N. approval of Kenyan-led military action in Haiti faces backlash

Many view it as latest instance of foreign intervention in Haiti’s affairs and warn consequences

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The U.N Security Council recently authorized a Kenyan-led military intervention in Haiti, supported by the U.S., to assist the non-elected Haitian government combat gangs.

This decision was met with strong criticism from anti war advocates both in the Caribbean country of Haiti and globally.

The resolution, co-written by the U.S. and Ecuador with Kenya’s input, secured 13 votes in favor from the 15-member council.

Russia and China abstained in the voting. 

The resolution sanctions the Multinational Security Support (MSS) to deploy for a maximum of one year, with an assessment scheduled for nine months in.

Kenya has committed 1,000 police officers to the intervention force, and other nations, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda, have also promised to provide forces.

While the US is not deploying troops, it has pledged $100 million to support the operation’s logistics.

Many view it as the latest instance of foreign intervention in Haiti’s affairs. Some critiques draw attention to past invasions and their aftermaths.

Jemima Pierre, an academic, pointed out on social media that previous foreign military interventions have only brought pain and suffering to Haiti.

She also recalled the U.N.’s earlier involvement in the country, which resulted in a cholera epidemic and a sex scandal.

Haiti’s rich history, including its role as the world’s first Black republic and its early challenges with international recognition and debilitating debt, is intertwined with foreign interventions.

The US, for instance, has a long record of involvement in Haitian affairs, from military occupations to backing dictatorial regimes.