The United States has signaled a shift in plans for Haiti’s multinational security support mission, suggesting that leadership could move away from Kenya to a new international force. The development follows a phone call between President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where Kenya urged the adoption of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposal for the UN to provide logistical support.
Why is the US pushing for a new lead?
Kenya has carried the weight of manpower since sending police to Haiti a year ago, while the US has supplied financial backing. Despite these efforts, the situation in Port-au-Prince has deteriorated, with the UN warning that gangs are on the brink of controlling the capital. Shortages in personnel, intelligence, and equipment have further weakened the mission.
To address these challenges, Guterres has recommended establishing a UN support office for the mission, though he has stopped short of calling for a full peacekeeping force. The US, meanwhile, is looking to the Organization of American States (OAS) to take charge, emphasizing regional ownership.
What has the US said about Kenya’s role?
“The US thanks Kenya for its dedication for the last year. We must ensure that an even greater share of the international community is invested in the fight. We will also seek robust regional participation to provide strategic leadership of the force. We note the next international force must be adequately resourced,” said Kimberly Penland, US deputy chief of mission at the OAS.
Rubio reinforced the US stance during a Senate hearing in May, saying, “We are seeking to come up with an alternative strategy because Haiti is heading in a bad direction. The OAS has not led a mission since 1965. Why would we have an OAS if it cannot deal with Haiti? This is one example of something I would like us to lead on, and that is to get organisations like OAS to step forward and provide a mission to deal with Haiti.”
By Lucky Anyanje
