Alba Movements Criticizes U.S. Mission in Haiti at the United Nations: Examining Impact and Implications

Haiti Braces for New International intervention as Critics Cite History of Failed Missions

october 16, 2025

Port-au-Prince, haiti – A recently approved United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing a multinational military mission to Haiti has sparked fierce debate, with strong opposition mounting from social movements and Haitian actors who view it as a continuation of foreign intervention rather than a genuine solution to the country’s escalating crisis.

The UN Security Council, on September 30, sanctioned the transformation of a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a more robust counter-gang operation. The resolution allows for a deployment of up to 5,500 personnel, including both police and military forces, alongside 50 civilian specialists. The stated aim is to restore order in the Haitian capital and alleviate the growing humanitarian catastrophe. The mandate is initially set for twelve months.

Concerns Over Sovereignty and Neo-Colonialism

The Bolivarian Alliance for America (Alba Movimientos), a network representing over 400 social organizations across 25 Latin American and Caribbean nations, has unequivocally rejected the mission, characterizing it as an occupation in disguise. “It is indeed not help, but occupation. It is not stability, but subjugation,” declared a spokesperson for the organization, voicing concerns echoed by numerous Haitian civil society groups.

Critics point to a long history of UN involvement in Haiti dating back to 1992, arguing that previous missions often aligned with reactionary forces and ultimately exacerbated existing problems. They contend that the promise of assistance has consistently been overshadowed by a loss of control for the Haitian people themselves.

A Cycle of Intervention and Exploitation

Alba Movimientos alleges that international actors are leveraging security concerns as a pretext to advance their economic and political interests, fostering the exploitation of Haiti’s natural resources and deepening its social inequalities. The organization specifically cited the disastrous MINUSTAH mission (2004-2017), during which UN peacekeepers were implicated in a devastating cholera epidemic.

Mission	Dates	Key Criticisms
MINUSTAH	2004-2017	Cholera outbreak linked to peacekeeping forces, allegations of human rights abuses, limited impact on long-term stability.
MSS (current)	2023-Present	Slow deployment, questions about effectiveness, concerns over sovereignty.

Did You No? Haiti is currently experiencing its worst crisis in decades, with over 1.3 million people displaced, six million facing food insecurity, and a surge in violence, including 3,000 murders in the first half of 2025 alone.

Calls for Reparations and Self-Determination

Alba Movimientos is advocating for reparations and genuine support directed by and for the Haitian people, alongside the complete withdrawal of all foreign troops. The organization is urging social movements,labor unions,feminist groups,and peasant organizations worldwide to mobilize in solidarity with Haiti,demanding a sovereign and dignified future for the nation. Many Haitian stakeholders share this sentiment, questioning the efficacy of externally led programs.

The current Kenyan-led operation, for example, faced delays, only commencing nine months after its initial approval in October 2023.This raises serious questions about the practicality and responsiveness of the international community’s approach.

Pro Tip: Understanding the past context of foreign intervention in Haiti is crucial for evaluating the potential impact of the current mission.

The Path Forward: A Critical Examination

Whether the new US-led mission will genuinely improve the situation on the ground remains highly uncertain. However, it is certain to be closely scrutinized by social movements both within Latin America and internationally.

understanding the Roots of Haiti’s Crisis

haiti’s ongoing instability is a complex issue stemming from a confluence of factors, including a history of colonialism, political corruption, natural disasters, and economic inequality.The 2010 earthquake devastated the country, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and hindering long-term development. Rampant corruption and a lack of strong institutions have further undermined governance and fueled social unrest.

The recent surge in gang violence is largely attributed to political maneuvering and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. These gangs often operate with impunity,controlling key areas of the country and contributing to the displacement of civilians.

Frequently asked Questions About the Haiti Intervention

1. What is the primary goal of the new UN mission in Haiti? the stated goal is to restore order and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Port-au-Prince by countering gang violence.
2. Why are some groups opposing the international intervention in Haiti? Opponents argue it is a form of neo-colonialism and that previous interventions have failed to address the root causes of Haiti’s problems.
3. What is Alba Movimientos? It’s a social movement network representing over 400 organizations across latin America and the Caribbean, strongly critical of foreign intervention.
4. What were the criticisms of the MINUSTAH mission? MINUSTAH was criticized for its alleged role in introducing cholera to Haiti and for failing to substantially improve long-term stability.
5. What are the key challenges facing Haiti currently? These include widespread displacement, food insecurity, escalating violence, political corruption, and a lack of effective governance.
6. What is the current status of the Kenya-led security support mission? It began operations nine months after its initial approval,raising concerns about its responsiveness.
7. What is being asked of the international community? Groups are calling for reparations and tangible support directed by the haitian people, and also the withdrawal of foreign troops.

What are your thoughts on the latest developments in Haiti? Share your perspective in the comments below!

How does the Alba Movements’ critique of the U.S. mission in Haiti relate to historical patterns of foreign intervention in the country?

The Core of the Criticism: Sovereignty and External intervention in Haiti

Recent statements delivered by the Alba Movements (Movimientos ALBA Continentes) at the United Nations have sharply criticized the ongoing U.S.mission in Haiti, framing it as a detrimental interference in Haitian sovereignty and a continuation of destabilizing foreign policy. The Alba Movements, a continental political, social and citizen alliance that promotes the integration of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, argue that the U.S.-led intervention, ostensibly aimed at providing security and humanitarian aid, is exacerbating the existing political, economic, and social crises within Haiti. Key concerns center around the deployment of foreign troops and the perceived imposition of external agendas.

This criticism isn’t new. Haiti has a long history of foreign intervention, dating back to the early 19th century, and the current situation is viewed by many as a continuation of this pattern. The Alba Movements specifically point to the potential for the mission to undermine Haitian-led solutions to the country’s multifaceted challenges.

Understanding the U.S. Mission in Haiti: Objectives and Current Status

The current U.S. mission in Haiti, authorized by the UN Security Council, primarily focuses on supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in combating gang violence and restoring security. This support includes providing training, equipment, and logistical assistance.The mission also incorporates humanitarian aid efforts,addressing the urgent needs of a population grappling with food insecurity,displacement,and limited access to essential services.

However, critics argue that the focus on security, while understandable given the escalating violence, neglects the root causes of the crisis. these include:

* Political Instability: Years of political turmoil,weak governance,and disputed elections have created a power vacuum exploited by criminal gangs.

* Economic Inequality: Extreme poverty and a lack of economic opportunities fuel desperation and contribute to gang recruitment.

* Corruption: Widespread corruption undermines state institutions and hinders effective governance.

* Natural Disasters: Haiti is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, which exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

Alba Movements’ Specific Grievances: A Detailed Breakdown

The Alba Movements’ critique extends beyond a general opposition to foreign intervention. They have articulated several specific grievances regarding the U.S. mission:

1. Lack of Haitian Leadership: The movements contend that the mission is being directed by external actors, with limited input from Haitian authorities and civil society organizations. This perceived lack of ownership undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the intervention.
2. Militarized Approach: The emphasis on a militarized response to gang violence is seen as counterproductive, potentially leading to human rights abuses and further alienating the population. The Alba Movements advocate for a more holistic approach that prioritizes community-based solutions and addresses the underlying socio-economic factors driving violence.
3. Historical Precedents: The movements draw parallels between the current mission and previous foreign interventions in Haiti, which they argue have consistently failed to address the root causes of the country’s problems and have often exacerbated them. They cite the U.S. occupation of Haiti (1915-1934) and the more recent MINUSTAH mission (2004-2017) as examples of interventions that ultimately proved detrimental.
4. Impact on Democratic Processes: Concerns have been raised that the security focus could overshadow the need for inclusive political dialog and the restoration of democratic institutions. The Alba Movements emphasize the importance of supporting Haitian-led efforts to organize free and fair elections.

Impact on Regional Dynamics: The Caribbean Perspective

The Alba Movements’ criticism resonates with a broader sentiment within the Caribbean region regarding external intervention in Haiti. Many Caribbean nations have historically advocated for a “Caribbean solution to a Caribbean problem,” emphasizing the importance of regional solidarity and self-determination. The U.S. mission, perceived by some as a unilateral action, has strained relations with certain Caribbean governments.

The situation also impacts regional stability.Haiti’s proximity to other Caribbean islands raises concerns about the potential for spillover effects, such as increased migration and the spread of criminal activity. A stable and prosperous Haiti is seen as vital for the overall security and development of the Caribbean region.

Implications for the United Nations: A Test of Sovereignty Principles

The Alba Movements’ challenge to the U.S. mission at the United Nations raises vital questions about the principles of national sovereignty and the role of the UN in addressing complex humanitarian crises. The UN Charter emphasizes the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, but also recognizes the obligation to protect populations from mass atrocities.

Balancing these competing principles is a delicate task. The Alba Movements argue that the U.S. mission, in its current form, violates the principle of sovereignty and undermines the UN’s credibility. They call for a more inclusive and Haitian-led approach to addressing the crisis, one that respects the country’s independence and promotes lasting development.

Haiti’s Current Situation: A Snapshot (October 2025)

As of October 2025, Haiti remains in a state of profound crisis. Gang violence continues to plague the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other major cities. Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated,with millions of people in need of assistance. The political situation remains deeply unstable, with a transitional government struggling to maintain control.

According to the BBC (as of their last country profile update