U.N. Security Council approves sending a Kenya-led force to quell violence in Haiti
NPR Online NewsOct 02, 2023
The Facts
The UN Security Council voted Monday to send a Kenya-led multinational armed force to Haiti to help suppress violent gangs. It would mark the first time a force is deployed to the Caribbean nation in nearly 20 years.
The US-drafted resolution was adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which illustrates that the situation in Haiti poses a significant threat to international peace and security.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The UN's decision to send an armed force to Haiti is much welcomed by the Haitians, who have long suffered from rampant gang violence. The move comes after many citizens have left their homes in search of a better life in the US. All eyes are now on the Kenyan-led mission to restore order and bring back hope and stability to an impoverished nation.
Establishment-critical narrative
Deploying a multinational force in Haiti would legitimize the unelected leaders of Port-au-Prince. Moreover, the Caribbean nation has had bad experiences with past UN missions — including a 13-year mission that was maligned by allegations of sexual abuse. There's much at stake here and the international community can't afford another failure.
