Haiti: China asks the UN Security Council for an embargo on small arms

China has asked the UN Security Council to decide on a small arms embargo for Haiti, individual sanctions against gang leaders and even support for the dispatch of a regional police force to this country plagued by violence, we learned Thursday from diplomatic sources.

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These measures would be part of the renewal of the political mission of the UN expiring Friday evening.

The two countries responsible for the file in the Security Council, the United States and Mexico, had not planned to go so far in their initial draft resolution and arduous negotiations continued on Thursday on the subject, according to the same sources. .

Individual sanctions would include travel bans and asset freezes, according to a draft text obtained by AFP but not yet final.

No comment could be immediately obtained from the United States and Mexico.

A vote, initially scheduled for Wednesday, is hoped for Friday but the time remains uncertain.

On the Haitian file, Beijing has become a key player in recent years at the UN, in particular, assure diplomats, because of the recognition of Taiwan by Port-au-Prince not accepted by China.

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In the past, Beijing, rejecting any link with Taiwan, has been virulent in meetings to denounce a country that is sinking into political and economic crisis, despite multiple international aid and the commitment of the UN through multiple peacekeeping operations led by blue helmets.

We must fight against arms trafficking in Haiti, push the political authorities out of their lethargy and threaten legal sanctions against those responsible for the violence, a Chinese diplomatic source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Regional Police

The draft text provides for a renewal until October 15, 2023 of the political mission called Binuh and created in October 2019. It requires the Haitian parties to reach an urgent agreement, within six months or before, to define the framework for a new process. policy leading to presidential and legislative elections.

The embargo on small arms would also concern ammunition and would aim to put a stop to trafficking and kidnappings for ransom, which have become commonplace in Haiti.

The resolution would also demand an immediate end to violence and criminal activity, an end to roadblocks and the occupation of public buildings.

Beijing also claims that the text asks the UN Secretary General to initiate consultations with countries in the region and regional organizations to support the Haitian police and provide for the deployment of a multinational police force to restore peace in the country and protect human rights.

At least 89 people have been killed in a week in clashes between gangs in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince where prices are soaring and fuel shortages are getting worse, threatening crucial humanitarian aid for the inhabitants.

For more than two years, gangs have multiplied villainous kidnappings in the city, kidnapping people of all socio-economic origins and all nationalities.