International help raises hope for Haiti but history provides cautionary tale | Opinion

It has been encouraging this week to see promising signs that Haiti may finally be on the path toward social stability and democracy, as international help has arrived in the Caribbean country to restore law and order.

This time, a long-awaited United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support mission, led by 200 Kenyan police officers, are there to curb the free-wielding violent gangs that have become the de facto government, controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince, making daily life for Haitians nearly unbearable.

However, we’re also apprehensive. These transformative moments have often been brief in Haiti’s long, troubled history.

In fact, this is the fourth time since 1915 that the world has come to the aid of Haiti.

New Prime Minister Garry Conille is guaranteeing success: “We will reclaim control of the country, house by house, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city,” Conille told reporters on Wednesday as the heavily armed and armored Kenyan officers arrived. Their heavy gear was sending a message to the brutal gangs: We’re going to get you.

Conille and other entities must also monitor the armed security Kenyan forces to ensure they carry out their mission within humanitarian standards. Unfortunately, we should expect collateral damage from such a harsh mission. And the gangs’ reaction is key. Will they surrender or fight?

Another hope is that the UN mission will help Haiti emerge from its prolonged crisis with a democratically elected president and legitimate parliament by 2026.

Haiti’s latest troubles began with the 2021 assassination of President Jovene Moïse, which left the country without leadership, no clear path for a presidential election and an open door to the rebel gangs that bully and terrorize their fellow countrymen.

The year-long mission will cost $600 million. However, the Miami Herald reported that a trust fund administered by the UN has only amassed $21 million. Let’s hope it’s fully funded. For South Florida, a functioning Haiti impacts our economy and population.

Miami Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who met with Haiti’s new prime minister in Washington D.C. on Friday, suggested that the Haitian diaspora in South Florida should play a bigger role in Haiti’s latest recovery effort. Conille, who was in the U.S. to discuss Haiti, agreed. They can be a secret weapon for their country.

Wilson said she wants to engage South Florida Haitians in relief and reconstruction efforts. Their contributions will be invaluable as the country rebuilds, she said. That’s not a bad idea.

Wilson expressed optimism that Haiti’s burgeoning government, with support from international partners, could regain order. She believes restoring stability is critical to resume humanitarian aid and development projects to help the country prosper. Wilson is right.

As the Kenyan police arrived, the Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian refugees who had fled to the U.S. but were set to return this year. They have a reprieve until 2026. It’s the right thing to do until Haiti restores its footing.

Wilson, who is running for reelection, is now planning to return to Haiti alongside a delegation “of anyone who wants to come,” hoping their presence can encourage further international involvement.

“I don’t want Haiti to disappear from the radar,” Wilson told reporters, referring to the attention paid to Ukraine and Gaza.

It remains unseen whether the security forces have the numbers and resources needed for such an ambitious operation, especially in densely packed urban areas where gangs are deeply entrenched.

The mission requires extensive planning and coordination between Haitian and international troops. Let’s hope that happens to ensure its success.

If the UN mission succeeds in improving day-to-day conditions and paving the way for elections, it will put Haiti back on a democratic path.

The Haitian people deserve the leadership they elect and a chance for their voices to be heard through the democratic process. We’re keeping out fingers crossed.

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