In the absence of leaders willing to lead an international intervention in Haiti, a Caribbean country ravaged by violence, world powers are looking for new ideas. In her most recent effort, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited Brazil, a country that led a previous UN-led mission and is a member of the Security Council. She said she left with the view that Brazil “cares about Haiti” and vowed to work with the United States in the Security Council to find a solution. However, despite the efforts, there has been no significant progress, and the situation remains critical. Haiti has been devastated by the current security, political, and health crises and by the armed gangs that control a large part of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Initial US-led efforts sought to have another nation take over the operation to restore basic security and government functions and pave the way for a political transition. However, with no country taking the lead, diplomats said other options were now on the table, including establishing a conventional peacekeeping operation with contributions from around the world.
President Joe Biden, who ended the war in Afghanistan, has made it clear that he will not put American lives at risk, despite his administration promising support if another country takes over. Canada was seen as the frontrunner, but its prime minister, Justin Trudeau, also seemed to conclude that a move would be too risky. Maria Isabel Salvador, UN special representative for Haiti, said she is still waiting for a country to come forward or for the Caribbean Community of Nations (CARICOM) to take over.
The situation in Haiti is dire, and some US officials are pessimistic. US National Intelligence Director Avril Haines expressed her pessimism about Haiti in her testimony before Congress, saying that “it doesn’t look like things are going to get better anytime soon.” Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry called for intervention in October. But he also faces doubts about his legitimacy without elections in Haiti since 2016 and with the assassination in 2021 of the last president, Jovenel Mose. In conclusion, the international community needs to find a quick and effective solution for Haiti, but the lack of leadership and commitment from the countries means that the situation remains critical.