Title: International police force mobilizes to combat gang violence in Haiti
Introduction :
The security situation in Haiti is deteriorating day by day, with an increase in gang violence in the country. Faced with this critical situation, the Haitian authorities requested help from the international community to set up an international police force which would support the Haitian police. Several countries have mobilized to contribute to this force, under the coordination of Kenya. This article offers you an overview of this initiative and its challenges.
Gangs that reign in terror:
The gangs have taken control of most of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and are responsible for many acts of violence. According to the United Nations, more than 2,400 people have lost their lives since the start of the year due to gang criminal activities. The latter carry out kidnappings for ransom, looting, arsons, massacres, sexual and gender-based violence, organ trafficking, human trafficking, homicides, extra-judicial executions and the recruitment of child soldiers. . The Haitian population lives in terror and violence on a daily basis.
An international police force in support of Haiti:
Faced with this alarming situation, the international community responded to the call of Ariel Henry, the Haitian Prime Minister, by proposing the establishment of an international police force. So far, around ten to a dozen countries have offered concrete support to participate in this mission. Among them are Jamaica, the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda. Kenya volunteered to lead this force and offered to provide 1,000 security force personnel.
Logistical support from the United States:
The United States, for its part, announced that it would provide significant logistical support to the mission, including air transport, communications, accommodation and medical care. However, they do not plan to send security forces to the ground. At the same time, the American government will request a budget of 100 million dollars from Congress to finance this mission.
Towards a UN Security Council resolution:
For the international police force to be established, it must obtain approval from the United Nations Security Council, although this force would not be under the UN flag. A draft resolution, drawn up by the United States and Ecuador, will be discussed next week at the UN. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley hopes Security Council members will recognize the urgency of action for Haiti, which has suffered from gang violence for too long.
Conclusion :
The establishment of an international police force in Haiti is an urgent measure to combat gang violence and restore security in the country. Thanks to the collaboration of several countries, this initiative could see the light of day in the coming months. However, it is essential that this strength is also supported by political progress and lasting solutions to ensure a real restoration of security in Haiti.