UN Security Council Considers Haiti Peacekeeping Mission

The United Nations Security Council is debating the conversion of the under-resourced Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti into a formal UN peacekeeping operation due to escalating gang violence and political instability. Miroslav Jenča, a senior UN official, highlighted the urgent need for increased contributions from member states to support the Haitian National Police, which is struggling against armed gangs controlling 85 percent of Port-au-Prince. Despite broad support from many diplomats for this transition, Russia and China have opposed it, citing concerns over Haiti's lack of stability and the legitimacy of its transitional government. The MSS, which began deployment in June, currently has only 400 personnel against a pledged total of over 3,100, raising fears of a collapse of national security institutions. The situation in Haiti has worsened, with incidents including gang shootings at commercial aircraft and significant territorial gains by gangs. The ongoing humanitarian crisis has prompted calls for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.