U.S. Drops Push for U.N. Transition Plan for Haiti Security Mission

The United States has withdrawn its push for a U.N. Security Council plan to transform the security mission in Haiti into a formal peacekeeping operation due to Russian and Chinese opposition. The current Multinational Security Support mission faces challenges with funding and personnel. The council will vote on extending the mandate until 2025.

The United States has withdrawn its push for the U.N. Security Council to request a plan to transform Haiti's security mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, a move made to placate Russia and China, diplomats revealed.

The 15-member council is set to vote on Monday on a draft resolution to extend the mandate for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission until October 2, 2025. Approved a year ago at Haiti's request, the Kenyan-led mission's progress has been slow, with limited personnel and funding. Voluntary contributions finance this U.N.-authorized effort.

Russia and China oppose the transition plan request, causing the U.S. to modify the draft resolution. Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy stated the MSS needs more time to prove itself. U.N. missions from China and the U.S. did not comment. Transitioning to a peacekeeping operation would secure stable resources, but U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has questioned its suitability amid Haiti's humanitarian crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)