Security force plans inch closer for Haiti

Barring some major unforeseen circumstances, it is becoming increasingly clear that the United Nations-backed multinational security force for Haiti is readying to begin operations very soon as evidenced by this week’s arrival of the commander of the Kenyan force, which will lead troops and police officers from a string of nations in the coming weeks.

Local media reported the arrival of the commander and other top Kenyan officials on a Sunrise Air flight from Miami which landed at the main largely shuttered airport in the capital. The advanced team will be reviewing infrastructural preparations to house nearly 2,500 personnel from more than a dozen countries. These security personnel will likely be accommodated at a facility under construction.

Haiti-based Sunrise Air recently restarted commercial operations at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, which has largely been closed for months to international flights by heavily armed gangs operating in the city. The gangs have, however, not interfered with US military and government flights at the airport as preparations for the peacekeeping force are stepped up. International carriers including American Airlines have said they will resume flights when the security situation is stabilized.

The Florida-based US Southern Military Command is assisting with preparations for the mission while the Biden administration is helping to fund the barracks and other facilities for the force. Nearly a dozen armored cars arrived in Haiti in the past week for use by the national police.

As preparations gather steam, the country’s interim presidential council announced plans to attempt to restore some semblance of normal life through an exercise to clean up tons of garbage littering many areas of the capital.

Haiti Libre reported that council members met with mayors from various sub districts this week to begin preparations for the massive clean up exercise which will be done under the protection of the international force when it is up and running. Key areas will include Delmas, the trendy Pétion-ville residential suburb, Carrefour and Cité Soleil.