Haiti: UN Chief seeks intervention of international troops

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the intervention of international troops in Haiti to help the police remove a threat posed by armed gangs.

Guterres made the call in a letter to the United Nations Security Council.

Although Guterres is not suggesting that the deployment should be done by the United Nations, he advised that the force be welcomed by the15-member Security Council.

He said such a force would increase the  U.N. capacity to support a ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements, and ensure coordination of efforts with an international force.

Haiti last week said it would request a “specialized armed force” to help combat the crisis caused by the blockade of its main fuel station by a coalition of gangs that have caused transport and businesses and hospitals to forcefully halt operations.

Guterres also said a rapid action force would primarily support the HNP (Haitian National Police)  in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, to secure free movement of water, fuel, food, and medical supplies from main ports and airports to communities and health care facilities.

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“To this end, the force would support the HNP’s efforts to remove the threat posed by armed gangs and provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure and services,” he added.

The UN Chief also revealed that one country would need to lead the rapid action force and that the force “would be gradually phased out as the HNP regained state control of critical infrastructure targeted by gangs and began to restore general security and freedom of movement.”

At this point, Guterres said the deployment of a multi-national police task force or multi-national special force could be a major help in Haiti.

The Security Council had requested Guterres in July to consult with Haiti, and its relevant countries on the possible options for enhanced security support for HNP, and its efforts to combat high levels of gang violence and awaits feedback by October 15.

Samuel Omowumi Racheal