US considers UN peacekeeping in Haiti to combat gang violence

The U.S. is considering a U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti to support a Kenya-led mission aimed at reducing gang violence. This initiative comes as the U.N. Security Council would need to approve such a mission, but experts express skepticism about its likelihood due to past negative experiences with U.N. troops in Haiti, including cholera outbreaks and sexual abuse cases. Currently, the U.N. mission relies on voluntary contributions, with limited funding received so far, raising concerns about its sustainability. Haiti has been grappling with escalating gang violence, particularly after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which created a political vacuum. Gangs have launched coordinated attacks on government infrastructure, including police stations and the international airport, exacerbating the crisis. Despite the arrival of Kenyan forces, local residents report no significant decrease in violence, highlighting the urgent need for more international support. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are engaging with Haitian leaders to push for political stability and the establishment of a provisional electoral council to facilitate long-overdue elections. The last presidential election occurred in November 2016, and the ongoing violence has stalled any electoral processes since then. Additionally, Haiti's transitional council is facing a corruption scandal, with allegations against members demanding bribes. The situation remains precarious, with gangs controlling a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, and the U.S. hopes for improved relations with the Dominican Republic, which has implemented strict measures against Haitian migrants amid the crisis.