US, Mexico propose ‘non-UN international security assistance mission’ to Haiti amid humanitarian crisis

The United States and Mexico will introduce the resolution in the United Nations to deploy a “non-UN international security assistance mission” to Haiti to restore order on the island nation, which has been terrorized by roving gangs following the assassination of former president Jovenel Moïse last year.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested earlier this month “specialized armed forces” to help the Haitian National Police fight gangs.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, told a Security Council meeting on Monday that the new proposal was a “direct response” to Henry’s request.

“It would facilitate international support for the Haitian National Police, as well as coast guard“, Thomas-Greenfield said on 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 between roadblocks set up by gangs after they engaged in intense gun battles, closing major avenues and the municipal market in the center of the capital, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 27, 2022.
(REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo)

About 200 gangs are currently active in Haiti. The US has already delivered Haitian National Police armored vehicles and other security equipment, and sanctioned Haitian officials suspected of gang involvement.

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Another resolution that the US plans to introduce with Mexico would introduce more sanctions about people responsible for gang violence, human rights abuses and arms trafficking.

Armed forces check two men riding a motorcycle for weapons in the area of ​​the government offices of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, July 11, 2022.
(AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

Thomas-Greenfield specifically called out Jimmy Cherizier, an ex-cop known as “Barbecue” who is the leader of the “G9 and Family” gang, which has blockaded 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,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

Grill, leader of the “G9 and Family” gang, stands next to garbage in the La Saline neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.
(AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, file)

The security mission in Haiti has some support from US lawmakers

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Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Fox News Digital said last week that “international forces” may be necessary to restore order on the island and prevent a mass exodus that could bring tens of thousands of migrants to the US

“First, you have to create a safe zone – period, end of story. Until there is a safe zone, nothing else works,” Senator Cassidy said. “That’s really the first step, and then after that you work from there.”