48th CARICOM Meeting: Haiti Reiterates Request for Deployment of UN Peacekeeping Force

Laurent Saint-Cyr, a member of Haiti’s Presidential Council, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the escalating security crisis in Haiti. During their meeting, saint-Cyr reiterated Haiti’s request to transition the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) into a fully-fledged UN peacekeeping force. In response, the Secretary-General committed to proposing the establishment of such a force to the United Nations Security Council, aimed at addressing the nation’s insecurity and restoring democracy.

Leaders focused on Haiti’s urgent situation at the CARICOM Annual Meeting in Barbados, held from February 17 to 21, 2025. Key discussions included:

United Nations Support for Haiti

UN Secretary-General Guterres outlined plans for the UN to assume funding for the logistical and structural costs of a multinational force aimed at combating the gangs terrorizing Haiti. This initiative intends to form a compelling peacekeeping mission to restore order and democracy. A contingent of approximately 800 Kenyan police officers, alongside additional forces, leads the UN-backed mission. Haiti’s request for further UN involvement stems from critical shortages of personnel and resources, compounded by ongoing gang violence and a lack of elections since 2016. The international community continues to debate how best to assist Haiti in organizing elections amid these challenges.

Regional Security Concerns

The Caribbean region is grappling with an alarming surge in violent crime, including rampant gang warfare in Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. Regional leaders have described this trend as a “regional epidemic.” Contributing factors include economic vulnerability, weak border controls, and the flourishing drug and gun trade from the US. Experts stress the need for a combined approach that includes policing and social interventions, such as national youth services, skills training, and preventive strategies.

The Transitional Government of Haiti (CPT)

The transitional government, established during the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting on February 16, 2024, introduced a system of rotating leadership within the CPT to ensure that diverse sectors of Haiti’s political landscape are represented. The CPT was designed as a temporary framework to stabilize the country and lay the groundwork for democratic elections. However, the success of the CPT has been mixed due to several challenges:

• Political Fragmentation: Haiti’s political environment remains deeply divided, with factions struggling to unite and support the CPT.
• Security and Violence: Gang violence continues to destabilize the country, undermining governance and preventing essential services from reaching citizens.
• Economic Challenges: Due to widespread poverty, inflation, and unemployment, economic reforms have been slow, and international aid has been insufficient.
• International Support: Despite CARICOM and international pledges of support, logistical and funding difficulties have hindered the effective deployment of a peacekeeping force.

Prospects for Elections in 2025

Holding elections in Haiti in 2025 remains uncertain. The country is still grappling with violent gang activity, political instability, and the absence of a functioning electoral system, which create significant barriers to holding free and fair elections. While international assistance could help restore some stability, political divisions and logistical challenges make it unlikely that elections will occur as planned without substantial improvements in security and governance. The election timeline will depend heavily on how these critical issues are addressed in the coming months.