This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/world/americas/un-kenya-mission-haiti.html

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
U.N. Approves Kenya-Led Security Mission to Help Haiti Stamp Out Gangs U.N. Approves Kenya-Led Security Mission to Help Haiti Stamp Out Gangs
(about 4 hours later)
The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved a yearlong multinational security mission for Haiti, led by Kenya, aimed at cracking down on rampant gang violence that has unraveled life for many on the Caribbean nation.The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved a yearlong multinational security mission for Haiti, led by Kenya, aimed at cracking down on rampant gang violence that has unraveled life for many on the Caribbean nation.
The 15-member Council voted to authorize a mission that would guard critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals and key traffic intersections, and carry out “targeted operations” along with the Haitian National Police. Kenya has pledged at least 1,000 security personnel, and several other nations are expected to offer other resources.The 15-member Council voted to authorize a mission that would guard critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals and key traffic intersections, and carry out “targeted operations” along with the Haitian National Police. Kenya has pledged at least 1,000 security personnel, and several other nations are expected to offer other resources.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in Haiti from October last year until June, as gangs took over large patches of the country, particularly Port-au-Prince, the capital, according to the United Nations. Many neighborhoods have cleared out as people have fled widespread murders, kidnappings and extortion.Nearly 3,000 people were killed in Haiti from October last year until June, as gangs took over large patches of the country, particularly Port-au-Prince, the capital, according to the United Nations. Many neighborhoods have cleared out as people have fled widespread murders, kidnappings and extortion.
Gangs aligned with political parties have strengthened their grip on the country since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. No municipal, legislative or parliamentary elections have been held in years, creating a power vacuum. One goal of the Kenyan-led mission is to create the conditions for a safe election.Gangs aligned with political parties have strengthened their grip on the country since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. No municipal, legislative or parliamentary elections have been held in years, creating a power vacuum. One goal of the Kenyan-led mission is to create the conditions for a safe election.
The Council voted 13 in favor of the resolution, with Russia and China abstaining.
Haiti’s foreign minister, Jean Victor Généus, called the resolution a “glimmer of hope” for people who have been suffering too long. “This is more than a simple vote,” he said. “This is, in fact, an expression of solidarity with a population in distress.”
The resolution’s passing signified an increasingly rare moment when the Council was able to act. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, divisions among the body’s five permanent members, each with veto power, have impeded the Council from passing resolutions and taking actions.