The platform pointed out that citizens do not expect to relive the wounds of the past inflicted by the United Nations Mission for Stability, which introduced cholera into the country, with a death toll of more than 10,000, in addition to accusations of sexual abuse. “Haitians have very bad memories of the last international force deployed in their territory,” it lamented.

This week the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of a multinational mission to support the Police in the face of the escalation of violence and insecurity suffered by Haitians.

The force, which will be led by Kenya, must help the Police confront the gangs, which currently control more than 80 percent of the capital and other departments such as Artibonite. It will also facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid even in areas that are difficult to access due to gang action.

The mission will be financed by contributions from regional organizations and Member States, whom the UN urged to contribute personnel, equipment and other logistical and financial resources, as well as prevent weapons smuggling into the country to keep them from reaching gangs.

Despite the criticism sparked by Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s call for troops, the opposition has been cautious in denying its need after the UN approval, although it has warned that the new mission must be committed to respecting human rights.

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