(Le Floridien) — Daniel Lewis Foote, the former United States Special Envoy to Haiti, has voiced significant concerns about the current international efforts to address Haiti’s ongoing security crisis. Foote’s critique offers a deep dive into the complexities and challenges of international interventions, calling for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to stabilizing the country.
Foote, a seasoned diplomat, was appointed as the US Special Envoy for Haiti following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. His brief tenure, which lasted until September 2021, was marked by his outspoken views on the limitations and potential missteps of the international mission aimed at promoting peace and stability in Haiti.
One of Foote’s primary concerns is the long-term effectiveness of the repeated security operations in Haiti. He argues that focusing solely on removing “bad actors” without addressing the systemic issues underlying the country’s instability is a flawed approach. Foote emphasizes the necessity of a holistic strategy that incorporates long-term solutions rather than just immediate security measures.
In particular, Foote is skeptical about the plan to send 2,000 Haitian police officers to Kenya for training. While he does not question the competency of the Kenyan police, he doubts their ability to adequately equip Haitian officers with the skills needed to tackle Haiti’s unique and complex security challenges. This skepticism is heightened by the significant delays and funding shortfalls that have plagued the mission, with donor countries contributing only a fraction of the required budget, leaving many of the mission’s objectives unclear.
Foote also cautions against deploying a large contingent of personnel without a clear and well-defined mission. He warns that such actions could further destabilize Haiti, exacerbating the precarious situation on the ground. His tenure as special envoy was cut short when he resigned in September 2021, in protest against the US policy of deporting thousands of Haitian refugees, which he deemed counterproductive and potentially dangerous.
Foote’s insights underscore the need for thoughtful planning, sufficient resources, and a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of Haiti’s instability. His critique serves as a call to action for international stakeholders to reassess and refine their approach to ensure that their interventions lead to sustainable and meaningful improvements in Haiti’s security landscape.
