New York, NY – The United Nations Security Council voted Tuesday to replace the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti with a stronger, more heavily resourced “Gang Suppression Force” (GSF). The new mission, supported by a U.N. Support Office and the Organization of American States (OAS), has been authorized for a period of 12 months.
The resolution passed with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions from Russia, China, and Pakistan. Both Moscow and Beijing, whose positions were uncertain heading into the session, expressed concerns about the mission’s financing, command structure, and Kenya’s role in the new force.
Ahead of the vote, over 50 countries publicly voiced support, with Panama’s U.N. ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba stressing: “The unity and collaboration demonstrated by member states… underscore our shared objective: to end the violence and suffering so that Haiti may restore security and rebuild strong institutions.”
Haiti’s Call for Urgent Action
Last week, Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, pleaded at the U.N. General Assembly for immediate intervention, citing the displacement of more than 1.3 million people and the collapse of health services due to gang violence. He emphasized that while Haiti seeks to hold elections, restoring security is the nation’s top priority.
Haiti has not held national elections since 2016, and its last elected president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated in 2021.
From Kenya’s Mission to a More Robust Force
Since Kenyan police first deployed in Haiti 15 months ago, armed groups have tightened their grip on the capital, now controlling nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince and expanding into other regions. While Kenyan President William Ruto defended the mission’s efforts, he admitted a lack of equipment and resources limited its effectiveness.
U.S. officials pushed for a more forceful mandate, one that would allow the new mission to operate independently of the Haitian police, something the MSS could not do. Denmark also pressed for stronger protections for women and children, who have been particularly vulnerable to gang recruitment and sexual violence.
The New Mandate
According to the resolution obtained by the Miami Herald, the GSF will include up to 5,550 personnel, comprising 5,500 uniformed troops and police officers, as well as 50 civilians. The U.N. Support Office will manage operations and logistics, while the OAS will provide practical assistance, including food, water, fuel, transportation, and communications equipment.
Unlike the MSS, the GSF will be overseen by a coalition of troop-contributing countries, with a civilian special representative providing political direction and coordination with Haiti’s national authorities. The force will also support the Haitian police and armed forces in creating conditions for free and fair elections and safe humanitarian access.
Still unresolved are questions about cost and long-term funding. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has argued that a “dual-track strategy” is needed, combining support for Haitian institutions with robust international enforcement measures, while stopping short of deploying traditional U.N. peacekeepers.
Rising Violence and Regional Stakes
Haiti’s security situation has deteriorated further this year, with more than 3,000 people killed in gang-related violence, widespread displacement, and the rise of armed civilian “self-defense” groups. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed or overtaken, with gangs even deploying weaponized drones in clashes.
For now, the GSF represents the most ambitious international response yet to Haiti’s spiraling crisis—though its success will depend on funding, coordination, and the ability of diverse forces to operate effectively together.
By the Midtown Times, Adapted from reporting by Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald
