This is one of the many questions that will be discussed in Ottawa on Thursday when Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly receives her American counterpart Antony Blinken.
Several countries could lead the mission, with Canada at the top of the list, Brian Nichols, the US assistant secretary of state, hinted at a technical briefing on Wednesday.
“Canada is an incredibly capable partner in this region of the world, both policing and military. »
– A quote from Brian Nichols, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States
The UN is discussing sending an international force to stabilize Haiti and help the population break free from criminal gangs.
Fuel shortages, fueled by gang violence, have caused people to block roads.
Photo: Portal/Ralph Tedy Erol
These gangs have been blockading the Varreux port terminal in Port-au-Prince since September, controlling access to essential supplies such as water, food and oil. A nightmare situation, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The United States is pushing for an international stabilization force to be ready in early November, Brian Nichols said, and Canada is in the race to lead the Trudeau, despite apparent reluctance from the Trudeau administration.
The country that would lead this UN mission has not yet been chosen, Brian Nichols said, and countries other than Canada could do so. However, he added that Canada’s expertise in the region makes it the most likely partner for a rapid deployment in an emergency.
International aid, not a magic thought
Canada has already sent specialized equipment, including armored vehicles, to help local Haitian police fight these gangs. But for now, Ottawa seems reluctant to send soldiers or police onto Haitian soil.
The Canadian government’s main goal is to find a way to send aid to Haitians who lack water, food and oil.
We can help on a humanitarian level and for the primary needs of citizens, a Canadian government source said.
But to resolve the issues between street gangs and the Haitian government, the solution must come from within, the source continued. International aid must not become a magic idea.
The people are angry with the government in Haiti, especially because of its inability to improve the security situation.
Photo: Portal/Ricardo Arduengo
Canada believes it is helping to put pressure on street gangs. Economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations are helping to put pressure on those in the West who fund these gangs, the government has been told. The shipment of military equipment helps restore the balance of power between the government and criminal gangs.
Canada does not rule out using the experienced negotiators of the Global Affairs Canada team to resolve the impasse. Sending trainers, including the RCMP, to train local police forces is also on the table, among other solutions being considered.
Alongside Mélanie Joly, Foreign Minister Antony Blinken will meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau late Thursday afternoon. They will not only talk about Haiti, but also about China, the war in Ukraine and the Russian threat in the Arctic.
Antony Blinken will also visit Montreal on Friday.