US Considers UN Peacekeeping Operation for Haiti Amidst Escalating Gang Violence

The US is contemplating a UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti to support the Kenya-led mission addressing the gang violence crisis. Despite the deployment of 400 Kenyan police officers and plans for additional international forces, funding remains insufficient, and the mission has not yet significantly decreased violence. US officials are urging the international community for more substantial financial contributions.

The US is contemplating a UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti to bolster the Kenya-led mission tackling gang violence, a top diplomat revealed on Wednesday. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, discussed this following a Miami Herald report on the Biden administration's considerations amid funding shortages.

Although the UN Security Council would need to approve any peacekeeping mission, experts remain skeptical of its feasibility. Haitians are wary due to past adverse experiences with UN troops. Currently, the US and Canada primarily fund the mission, with 400 Kenyan police already deployed. However, the mission requires USD 600 million annually, and contributions have fallen short.

Gang violence persists with 80 percent of Port-au-Prince under gang control. Nichols emphasized the need for international financial support and highlighted the strides made with recent joint operations between Haitian forces and Kenyans. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Haiti for further discussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)