A Year of Challenges for Haiti's International Force
One year ago, an international police force, led by Kenyan officers and backed by the United Nations, was deployed to Haiti with the mission of curbing the rampant gang violence that has terrorized the nation. The force aimed to support Haiti's overwhelmed police department in regaining control over areas dominated by powerful gangs. However, as the anniversary of their deployment passes, the mission's impact remains limited, with gang violence continuing to spread across the country, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Recent reports indicate that despite some localized successes, the overall security situation in Haiti has not improved significantly. Gangs, including coalitions like Viv Ansanm, have grown more ruthless and better armed, even in the face of international weapons embargoes. The international force has faced numerous challenges, including frequent attacks, with casualties mounting among the deployed officers. Two Kenyan police officers were seriously injured in clashes over a recent week, highlighting the dangerous conditions on the ground.
Funding Woes and Uncertain Future
A critical issue threatening the mission's continuity is funding. The United States, a major financial backer of the operation, has signaled that it will not sustain current levels of funding aimed at holding back Haiti's armed gangs. This decision has raised alarms among Haitian officials, who have called for urgent regional support during meetings with the Organization of American States (OAS). Without consistent financial backing, the international force's ability to operate effectively is in jeopardy.
The funding shortfall is compounded by logistical and operational difficulties. Posts found on social media platforms like X have highlighted delays in payments to Kenyan officers, with some reports suggesting that officers went unpaid for months despite significant funds being released by the U.S. for the mission. These financial strains add to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the international effort in Haiti.
New Tactics and Legal Concerns
In a bid to gain an upper hand against gangs, Haitian forces have recently turned to innovative but controversial tactics, such as the use of drones to target gang leaders. Reports suggest that these drone operations have resulted in hundreds of gang members being killed or injured. While this approach has shown some results in certain areas of the capital, it has also drawn scrutiny from legal experts who argue that such actions may violate international law.
The combination of persistent violence, funding challenges, and ethical questions about new combat strategies paints a complex picture for Haiti’s security mission. As the international community grapples with how to support Haiti moving forward, the nation remains far from achieving lasting peace. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether additional global partners will step in to fill funding gaps or if alternative strategies will be needed to address Haiti’s deep-rooted security crisis.