The United States and Mexico will present a resolution to the United Nations to deploy an “international non-UN security assistance mission” to Haiti to restore order to the island nation, which has been terrorized by itinerant gangs in the wake of the former president Jovenel Moïse assassination last year.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry called for “a specialized armed force” earlier this month to assist Haitian National Police in dealing with gangs.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, said at a Security Council meeting Monday that the new proposal is “in direct response” to Henry’s request.
“It would facilitate international support for the Haitian National Police, as well as the coast guard,” Thomas-Greenfield said Monday. “By helping to improve the security situation on the ground, the delivery of desperately needed aid could reach those in need and address the ongoing cholera crisis.”
A man walks among roadblocks set up by gangs after they conducted intense firefights, closing main streets and a municipal market in the center of the capital, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 27, 2022.
(REUTERS / Ralph Tedy Erol / Archive photo)
There are currently around 200 bands active in Haiti. The United States has already provided the Haitian National Police with armored vehicles and other security equipment and has sanctioned Haitian officials suspected of being involved in gangs.
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Another resolution that the United States intends to introduce with Mexico would impose more sanctions on those responsible for gang violence, human rights violations and arms trafficking.
Armed forces check two men who were riding a motorcycle for weapons at the state office area in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Monday, July 11, 2022.
(AP Photo / Odelyn Joseph)
Thomas-Greenfield specifically named Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer known as “Barbeque” who is the leader of the “G9 and Family” gang, which has blocked Haiti’s main fuel port since last month.
“By passing this resolution, we would take concrete action to hold him – and many other violent criminals – accountable,” said Thomas-Greenfield.
Barbecue, the leader of the “G9 and Family” gang, stands next to the trash in the La Saline neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Friday 22 October 2021.
(Photo AP / Odelyn Joseph, File)
A security mission to Haiti enjoys the support of US lawmakers
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Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., Told Fox News Digital last week that an “international force” may be needed to restore order on the island and prevent a mass exodus that could see tens of thousands of migrants. flow into the United States
“First, you have to create a safe zone – period, end of story. As long as there is no safe zone, nothing else works,” Senator Cassidy said. “This is really the first step, and then after that, you work from there.”
