general secretary UN, Antonio Guterressuggested shipping this Sunday Haiti a “quick action force” consisting of military personnel from one or more countries to help the government take back control of Port-au-Prince armed gangs those who currently dominate parts of the capital and provide the supply of fuel and other essentials.
Guterres proposes that the operation be carried out under the umbrella of the UN, rather than under the umbrella of the United Nations. It is governed by a Member State that will run it alone or with the support of other nations.According to a letter sent to the Security Council and obtained by the EFE.
“In particular, the force will support the Haitian National Police mainly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. ensure the free movement of water, fuel, food and medical supplies from major ports and airports to communities and healthcare facilities,” he explains in Portuguese.
To this end, Guterres proposes that these foreign troops support the Haitian police in their efforts. “to eliminate the threat posed by armed gangs and provide immediate protection to critical infrastructures and services”.
The idea responds to a request made by the Government of Haiti this week. sought military assistance to deal with the serious situation in the countryWhere armed groups strengthened in the Port-au-Prince areas and blocked the main oil terminal.
In the letter, Guterres said the Security Council could “welcome” the deployment of this force and the UN Secretary-General could deploy “additional capabilities”. supporting ceasefire or humanitarian arrangements and to coordinate these tasks with international associations.
According to his proposal, the rapid action power would be phased out. National Police regain control of infrastructure start restoring the key and security.
In the medium term, Guterres proposes two options: a group of countries to set up a working group to advise and train Haitian police officers or a working group formed by them. A “special force” with agents from abroad to fight armed gangs.
In both cases, the UN chief recommends bilateral action at the invitation of the Haitian Government and as stated by the country’s officials. they prefer that no new force be deployed United Nations peace.
The UN already had blue helmets in Haiti between 2004 and 2017A presence today, replaced by a police operation that lasted two years and then a political and advisory mission to institutions.
The Security Council had asked Guterres months ago to present him options. strengthen support for Haiti on security issueshowever, the situation in the country has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks and a cholera epidemic has also been detected which is feared to spread very quickly due to the current crisis.
In parallel, countries with the UN’s highest decision-making body, measures against violenceincluding possible sanctions on leaders of armed gangs and an embargo banning arms sales to these groups.