The United States, as the leading country among Western nations, significantly influences policy towards our nation. The State Department’s initiatives, although not precisely mirrored by others, are closely monitored and often repeated despite expressions of regret. As the saying goes, « Chase away the natural, it comes back at a gallop. »
Maria Isabel Salvador, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), aligns her recent remarks on Ariel Henry’s future with the international community’s stance on Haiti as the February 7, 2024, deadline approaches.
Salvador’s presentation on the political situation in Haiti, as perceived by the organization she leads, has faced significant criticism, especially from the majority of Haitian political figures advocating for Dr. Ariel Henry’s resignation by the impending February 7 deadline. However, in her address to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), she appropriately addressed various aspects of the Haitian government’s functioning. Still, critics mainly focused on her partisan support for the de facto Prime Minister.
While commending the Security Council for adopting Resolution 2270 on the deployment of the international security force led by Kenya, Salvador emphasized the importance of Resolution 2699, authorizing Member States to establish and deploy the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). This mission aims to assist the Haitian National Police in restoring security for elections. She also urged the rapid update of the list of individuals and entities designated under Resolution 2653, considering reports submitted by the group of experts.
Regarding the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, Salvador highlighted the escalating gang violence and major crimes, emphasizing the urgent need for democratic institutions’ restoration. She called for accountability, oversight mechanisms, compliance with Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, and proper vetting and training of Multinational Security Support Mission personnel.
However, Salvador’s separate message on her social media account, addressing an issue not covered in her official report, has stirred controversy in Haitian political circles. Her statement advocating for democratic, transparent, and participatory elections as the only way out of a political transition has sparked criticism from those pushing for a new transition. Salvador’s critics argue that she speaks on behalf of the organization she represents, acting in the interests of her superiors and the member contributing the bulk of her UN funding.
In Haiti’s historical context, interference in the country’s affairs was traditionally conducted through diplomats or expressly dispatched emissaries. Salvador’s predecessors, like her, represented the UN Secretary-General in Haiti, aligning with the international community’s execution of American policy via the United Nations and related institutions.
Despite the controversy surrounding Salvador’s messaging, her call for democratic elections remains in line with the repeated emphasis on elections by the international community, even though specific dates are not provided. This situation fuels concerns that foreign political players are meddling in Haiti’s internal affairs, persisting in their imposture until the Haitian people find a solution to end this interference.
