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

U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a conversation regarding pressing security issues in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen, emphasizing support for international missions and the release of detained personnel.

On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres engaged in a phone conversation to address critical security challenges facing Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. Secretary Blinken commended the recent progress made by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, which is designed to mitigate the rampant gang violence that erupted after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Furthermore, Secretary Blinken proposed the transition of the MSS to a United Nations peacekeeping operation, a move that aligns with the Haitian government’s request for more enduring assistance. The discussion also encompassed the imperative of securing financing for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), aimed at countering the persistent assaults perpetrated by al-Shabaab militants. In the context of Yemen, both officials underscored the urgent requirement for the release of UN and diplomatic personnel who have been detained by Houthi forces.

The discussions between the U.S. and UN officials reflect ongoing crises in the respective regions. In Haiti, a significant increase in gang violence has destabilized the nation following the presidential assassination, prompting international intervention. Somalia continues to struggle with al-Shabaab terrorism, thereby necessitating support from the African Union. Meanwhile, Yemen has been embroiled in a protracted conflict, resulting in the detention of numerous diplomatic individuals by Houthi forces, complicating humanitarian efforts.

The dialogue between Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres highlights the urgent need for international cooperation in addressing security challenges in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. By considering the transition to UN peacekeeping in Haiti, securing financial support for the mission in Somalia, and ensuring the release of hosted personnel in Yemen, both leaders are taking essential steps toward fostering stability in these regions.

Original Source: newscentral.africa