In an interview with the AlterPresse, the Bureau des avocats internationaux (BAI) criticized what it describes as various maneuvers by the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres, aimed at reinforcing American supremacy in Haiti.
The BAI denounced Guterres's visit to Haiti on Saturday, July 1, 2023, stating that the visit was intended to reinforce the supremacy of imperialist countries, in particular the United States of America, on Haitian soil.
BAI's director Mario Joseph argued that the proof is that "Guterres repeatedly calls for a foreign force to be sent to Haiti"
Joseph believes that Guterres is unfamiliar with the reality facing the population of Haiti, which continues to be ravaged by a resurgence of cholera since the beginning of October 2022.
According to an assessment by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), between October 2022 to June 23, 2023, 522 Haitians died in hospital from cholera, while an additional 243 Haitians died outside of hospitals
Some 51,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported.
During his visit to Haiti on Saturday, July 1, 2023, Guterres insisted the international community's wanted "full" support for Haiti, which is in the grip of a multidimensional crisis.
It calls on the international community to be ready to act on the Security Council's decision to authorize the immediate deployment of a robust international security force to assist the Haitian National Police (PNH) in its fight against armed gangs.
Joseph notes that, in contrast to Haiti, where the de facto PM Ariel Henry has requested a foreign military force, Mali have forced the UN to withdraw its Mission for the Stabilization of Mali (MINUSMA).
The UN Security Council met on Friday June 30, 2023, to discuss the expiry of resolution 2640 (2022) mandating MINUSMA. Following the Transitional Government of Mali's demand that MINUSMA forces immediately withdraw, the UN Security Council voted to terminate MINUSMA's mandate under resolution 2640 (2022) as of June 30, 2023.
Resolution 2690 (2023), adopted by the UN Security Council, calls on MINUSMA to begin immediately cease operations as of July 1, 2023. The withdrawal process will be completed by December 31, 2023.
Joseph views Henry's request for a foreign special military force as a step backwards for Haiti.
Joseph also emphasized the extent to which arms trafficking from the USA is fueling armed gangs in the country.
It calls on the UN Security Council to penalize the United States for arms and ammunition trafficking in Haiti.
At the UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday April 26, 2023, the Russian Federation and China singled out the United States of America for the illegal flow of weapons fueling the violence in Haiti.
Translated by CHIP editors
Posted July 13, 2023