The UN Security Council has authorised the deployment of a Kenya-led international security force to Haiti.

The mission – dubbed the multinational security mission (MSS) – is supposed to help Haiti’s national police quell surging gang violence and restore security across the strife-torn Caribbean nation.

But while the 15-member council adopted the resolution Monday, October 2, China and Russia abstained from the vote.

China, Russia abstain

Speaking after the adoption, Zhang Jun, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of China, said that his country has always taken a cautious and responsible approach to the Council’s invocation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter on the authorization of the use of force.

“We hope that the country leading the Multinational Security Support mission will hold in-depth consultations with Haiti on their specific arrangements for the deployment of security forces,” he said, stating also that it should be fully in support of the Haitian people.

Infringing Haiti sovereignty

He also urged timely reporting to the Security Council, and that the mission must comply with international law and the basic norms governing international relations, so as to avoid infringing on sovereignty.

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN (also not a current Council member) Martin Kimani underscored his country’s bold offer to lead the mission and thanked the Council for responding in an “exemplary spirit of cooperation.”

“With this action, the Security Council has ignited a beacon of hope for the beleaguered people of Haiti,” he said.