In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent U.S. presidential election victory, Kenyan President William Ruto held a key phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the future of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. The phone call on Thursday addressed the mission’s transition to a United Nations-backed peacekeeping operation to enhance its capabilities in restoring stability to the gang-stricken Caribbean nation.
The Haiti mission was launched as a collaborative effort between Kenya and the Biden administration, with the aim of quelling the violent gang activities that have devastated Haiti’s public safety and infrastructure. However, the mission’s sustainability and support from the U.S. are now in question as Trump prepares to enter office. The new administration may not share the same enthusiasm for this mission as its predecessor, a reality that could impact future funding and logistical support from the U.S.
A Mission Under Strain
The situation in Haiti remains dire. In October, members of the Gran Grif gang unleashed terror in the town of Pont-Sonde in Haiti’s Artibonite region, killing at least 115 people, including children, and displacing over 6,000 residents. Such horrific incidents underscore the severity of the security crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has grown to overpower the Haitian National Police (HNP). The UN Security Council authorized the MSS in response to Haiti’s urgent call for help, and Kenya took the lead in deploying forces to bolster Haiti’s domestic security efforts.
Kenya has so far sent two contingents of police officers to Haiti. The first group of 200 officers landed in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, in June 2024. Another 200 officers arrived on November 7, 2023, bringing Kenya’s deployed personnel in Haiti to 400. The Kenyan government has committed to sending 600 additional police officers over the next year, with the next deployment set for late November. The mission is expected to grow to about 2,500 police personnel in total, with an estimated annual operating cost of $600 million.
Other Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Belize, have also contributed troops, reinforcing the mission’s goal of quelling the escalating violence in Haiti. However, despite the increased personnel, the mission faces daunting challenges in stabilizing a nation where gangs exert immense power.
Support from the United States
The United States has played a significant role in equipping the MSS and the Haitian National Police. Between October 28 and November 3, 2024, the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) delivered essential equipment, including armored personnel carriers (APCs), to bolster the MSS’s operational capacity. These APCs doubled the mission’s fleet and improved its mobility across volatile areas. The U.S. also provided additional law enforcement tools to aid in the fight against armed gangs terrorizing Haitian communities.
In a statement, the INL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haiti’s urgent security and humanitarian needs, noting, “A well-equipped MSS is critical for bolstering the anti-gang efforts of the HNP.” These supplies are crucial for both the MSS and the HNP, which have struggled to contain the escalating violence that has left local populations traumatized and in peril.
A New Era for the Haiti Mission?
The conversation between Ruto and Blinken took place against a backdrop of apprehension. President Joe Biden had championed the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, but the recent election of Donald Trump raises questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy in the Caribbean. Trump’s approach to international involvement has historically leaned toward a more isolationist stance, raising concerns that support for the Haiti mission might diminish under his administration.
China and Russia previously blocked attempts to transition the MSS into a fully-fledged UN peacekeeping operation, complicating its path forward. During the call, Ruto emphasized the importance of transforming the MSS into a UN mission to strengthen its capability and achieve long-term stability for Haiti. Such a transition would not only bring in additional resources and legitimacy but could also attract broader international support for the mission.
Kenya’s Commitment to Haiti
President Ruto underscored Kenya’s commitment to the Haiti mission, highlighting the constructive conversation with Blinken on the proposed UN transition. Kenya’s leadership role has been instrumental in shaping the mission, with plans to deploy additional personnel and provide ongoing support for Haiti’s struggling police force.
The future of the Kenya-led MSS in Haiti may hinge on the level of backing from the incoming U.S. administration. For now, Kenya and its allies remain dedicated to restoring security in Haiti, but questions about sustainability and external support loom large. As President Ruto and other mission leaders look to the UN for further assistance, the international community will be closely watching how Trump’s administration approaches the MSS and its role in Haiti’s stabilization efforts.
The world’s attention is now on the next steps for Haiti’s security, as nations like Kenya take on a leading role in bringing peace to this troubled Caribbean state.
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