US Under Fire: China, Russia Raise Concern as Haiti Gangs Acquire Firearms From US to Fight Kenyan Police
In a critical session at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, diplomats from China and Russia launched a stern call for the United States government to intensify efforts in curbing the influx of illegal firearms into Haiti.
The ambassadors voiced concerns that the unchecked proliferation of guns originating from the US poses a severe threat to Haiti’s stability, complicating ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Caribbean nation.
The Chinese and Russian envoys highlighted that a significant majority of illicit firearms confiscated in Haiti and neighboring regions trace back to the United States.
They criticized the current arms embargo, arguing that it has proven ineffective in stemming the flow of weapons into the country.
The Russian ambassador emphasized the need for stricter measures, proposing targeted sanctions on arms traffickers including asset freezes and travel bans.
Responding to these assertions, US Ambassador Linda Thomas reaffirmed America’s commitment to enforcing existing arms embargoes.
She cited recent initiatives such as enhanced prosecution efforts and new agreements aimed at tightening regulations on firearm sales to prevent loopholes in background checks.
During the meeting, attention also turned to the broader implications of the firearms issue in Haiti, where rampant gang violence has left the population vulnerable.
The presence of 12,000 armed individuals controlling a nation of 12 million underscores the urgency of international action.
Haiti’s Prime Minister expressed gratitude for international support, particularly welcoming the deployment of a Kenyan contingent as part of multinational efforts to bolster security.
He described this development as a pivotal moment in Haiti’s path towards stability, urging continued cooperation from the global community.
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US Under Fire: China, Russia Raise Concern as Haiti Gangs Acquire Firearms From US to Fight Kenyan Police