Following nine years of operations in the Caribbean country, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is implementing a Consolidation Plan to assess, in conjunction with the Government, a gradual withdrawal of troops stationed on Haitian territory, according to Nigel Fisher, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ad Interim, and Head of MINUSTAH, speaking on Monday 20 May.

According to Mr. Fisher, the current situation in Haiti is radically different from the one in 2004 when MINUSTAH began and the country was on the brink of civil war. He highlighted progress in terms of security that was "greatly appreciated by the local community", as well as advances in terms of consolidating democratic institutions and strengthening the rule of law.

Speaking to an audience of United Nations officials, academics and diplomats, Mr. Fisher pointed out that "This does not mean that all the problems have been resolved". He said that 80% of the population in Haiti live in poverty, and the institutions remain fragile with limited resources in order to operate.

The senior official stated that the earthquake that struck the island on 12 January 2010 was a major blow for progress made, and this had affected the exit strategy of MINUSTAH, which has played a key role in the reconstruction process.

In his view, the main problems facing the island include mistrust among the political classes and the lack of consensus around a national project. The immediate challenge is the municipal elections and by-elections that should have been held in 2011.

In this regard, he described recent meetings between the Haitian Government and opposition leaders, who stated a willingness to take part in the next elections (which is a very encouraging sign for the country).

He also declared that the national authorities have an ambitious plan to promote investment in the country, with attractive terms on offer.

Mr. Fisher explained that the Consolidation Plan for gradual troop withdrawal has four components. They are the consolidation of the rule of law and the respect for human rights; strengthening of the Haitian National Police (reaching 15,000 members by 2016); gradual transfer of electoral management to the national authorities; and extending governance through local capacity building and the negotiation of political agreements. "These objectives have been endorsed by the Government of Haiti and a joint working group has been set up to monitor progress".

The target is to withdraw troops responsibly, to avoid having to set up another mission in the future. According to the Head of MINUSTAH, if the assessment of the plan is successful, there will be a 50% reduction over three years.

Mr. Fisher concluded by explaining that the reduction is subject to annual review of the mandate and the Consolidation Plan of MINUSTAH by the United Nations Security Council.

HL/ HaitiLibre