Par Patrick Prézeau Stephenson
Introduction:
In the complex mosaic of international relations and security assistance, the recent decision by the United States to evolve its approach to Haiti, particularly regarding assistance to its police force against gang violence, represents a significant turning point reflecting broader strategic imperatives. The Biden administration’s decision, as reported by the Miami Herald on April 12, 2024, to use relatively little-known executive power — reminiscent of strategies used in Ukraine — to aid Haiti’s police force, highlights a critical moment in relations between the United States and Haiti [1].
Historical Context and Strategic Change
Historically, the United States has maintained a cautious stance toward arming Haiti’s security forces, largely due to concerns over governance and the potential for misuse of the weaponry provided. This restraint was demonstrated by limiting U.S. aid to non-lethal assistance, despite the desperate need of the Haitian National Police (PNH) for more robust support in their fight against increasingly armed gangs. This policy, while well-intentioned, has unintentionally contributed to a security vacuum within Haiti, allowing gangs to strengthen their control over significant portions of the country, including the capital, Port-au-Prince. Amid widespread violence, criminal gangs are spreading terror, targeting communities, undermining governance and hampering development efforts. We previously estimated the socio-economic cost of this insecurity at $1.5 billion in 2023. [2]hence the urgency to restore order and preserve the future of the nation by setting up an army of 10,000 men trained in anti-terrorist and urban guerrilla techniques [3,4].
President Biden’s recent move to authorize Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide up to $10 million in military equipment and training to Haiti marks a notable departure from previous U.S. policies. This aid, drawn from the Presidential Levy Authority, indicates a desire to engage more directly in strengthening Haiti’s internal security mechanisms.
Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission
The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Mission represents a turning point in the international strategy to address the security crisis in Haiti. Faced with funding challenges and a need for strategic clarity, this initiative highlights the importance of close international cooperation to stabilize Haiti. The involvement of the United States, through support for the Haitian National Police (PNH) and potentially the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H), illustrates a desire to adopt a holistic approach to counter security threats. .
In this spirit, we recently proposed collaboration between the Kenyan and Haitian police forces, as well as with the FAd’H, in an anti-terrorism fight adapted to the specific challenges of Haiti. This cooperation envisages the use of urban guerrilla tactics, adapted to the complex realities of Haiti’s urban areas, where armed gangs often have a strategic advantage thanks to their knowledge of the terrain and their integration into local communities.[5]
A multidimensional strategy is proposed, recognizing that security cannot be achieved by military and police means alone. This approach includes components such as community development, improved infrastructure and public services, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) initiatives for gang members wishing to leave criminal life. In addition, emphasis is placed on adequately training and equipping Haitian security forces so that they can respond effectively to threats while respecting human rights and legality. [5].
This mission led by Kenya, with the support of the United States and the active participation of the international community, could mark the beginning of a new era for security and the stabilization of democratic processes in Haiti. By combining international expertise and local knowledge, with an emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect, this mission has the potential to lay the foundations for lasting stability and a promising future for the Haitian people.
Implications and Challenges
This change poses several implications. First, it recognizes the critical role that effective and well-equipped security forces play in establishing domestic stability. By providing the HNP with the means to more effectively combat gang violence, the United States is contributing to a fundamental element of state sovereignty and public safety.
Second, this approach mirrors strategies employed by the United States in other global hotspots, including Ukraine, suggesting a broader application of military aid as a tool of foreign policy and support for democratic governance. The use of the Presidential Drawing Authority, in particular, highlights a flexible mechanism for rapid response to urgent security needs, bypassing the more traditional and often slower legislative channels of military assistance.
However, this strategy is not without its challenges. The history of U.S. military aid is filled with examples where the influx of weapons did not lead to desired results and, in some cases, exacerbated existing conflicts or contributed to new ones. The key to avoiding such pitfalls in Haiti will be careful selection of aid recipients, strict monitoring, and a comprehensive approach that includes not only military and police training and equipment but also addressing socio-economic drivers. -economic instability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to aid Haiti’s fight against gang violence with military assistance represents a significant, albeit risky, pivot in relations between the United States and Haiti. This promising movement highlights the need for a holistic strategy that combines security assistance with efforts to address the underlying causes of Haiti’s turbulence. The effectiveness of this approach will ultimately depend on its execution and the ability to learn from the successes and failures of past interventions.
References
[1] How Biden’s using Ukraine, presidential authority for Haiti | Miami Herald
[1] Stephenson Prézeau P 2024. The Hidden Cost of Gang Violence in Haiti. https://prezeau.blogspot.com/2024/04/le-cout-cache-de-la-violence-des-gangs.html
[2] Stephenson Prézeau P 2024. Building a 10K Strong Army in Haiti: A Strategic Investment for National Security and Stability . https://prezeau.blogspot.com/2024/04/building-10k-strong-army-in-haiti.html
[3] Dominican Army – Wikipedia
[4] WHITE PAPER ON SECURITY AND DEFENSE…
HaitiLibre.com, https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Livre_Blanc.pdf
[5] Stephenson Prézeau P 2024. Doctrine overview for the army facing the major challenge of reconquering Haiti’s capital overrun by gangs. https://prezeau.blogspot.com/2024/04/doctrine-overview-for-army-facing-major.html
Contact Media Patrick Prézeau Stephenson: Editor [email protected]
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