US and UN Address Security Challenges in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed security issues in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen, focusing on the transition of Haiti’s MSS to UN peacekeeping and the release of detained personnel in Yemen. Blinken praised Guterres’ leadership while addressing terrorist threats in Somalia.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres engaged in a discussion addressing pressing security concerns in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. During their conversation, Mr. Blinken underscored the positive developments resulting from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Haitian government’s request to transition the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation, aiming to ensure sustainable security for the nation’s populace. Haiti continues to confront escalating violence from gangs, further exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. In Somalia, they evaluated funding strategies for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) and addressed the critical need to secure the release of UN personnel, diplomatic staff, and NGO workers detained by the Houthis in Yemen. This dialogue is vital as Somalia faces persistent threats from terrorist attacks, particularly those orchestrated by al-Shabaab, which has connections to al-Qaeda. Mr. Blinken expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Guterres’ steadfast leadership and cooperative efforts in tackling these complex challenges. Recent reports indicate that, on June 6, several UN human rights staff, alongside other personnel, were detained, highlighting the precarious situation for humanitarian workers in the region.

The discussion between the US and UN officials takes place in a context marked by significant security challenges in several countries. Haiti has faced rampant gang violence, particularly following the political instability caused by President Moise’s assassination. As for Somalia, al-Shabaab has continued to execute deadly attacks, undermining peace and stability in the country. Yemen’s situation remains dire as well, with the Houthis detaining UN and humanitarian staff, complicating relief efforts in an already fragile environment. Engaging in dialogue about these issues underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing instability and promoting peace in these regions.

In summary, the conversations between Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres reflect a concerted effort to address urgent security concerns impacting Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. The proposed transition of the MSS to a UN peacekeeping initiative in Haiti, combined with efforts to fortify support in Somalia and advocate for detained personnel in Yemen, illustrates the dedication of both the US and UN toward enhancing stability and security in these affected regions.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr