The United Nations (UN) Security Council has extended the authorisation of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti for an additional year. This decision follows a unanimous vote on September 30, 2024, to continue supporting efforts aimed at restoring security in the Caribbean nation. The MSS mission, which is tasked with stabilizing the situation in Haiti, facilitating the conditions needed for free and fair elections, and rebuilding institutions, has been instrumental in providing much-needed assistance to the Haitian government.
This mission began after Haiti requested international support to address its escalating security crisis, marked by gang violence, political instability, and humanitarian challenges. Haiti’s request was met by Kenya’s pledge to lead a multinational force, with an initial commitment of 1,000 police officers. The mission was not only a response to the rising violence in Haiti but also a measure to support the Haitian National Police (HNP) and restore public order.
Kenya’s leadership of the mission came after months of discussions, and the involvement of other countries from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean soon followed. This multinational coalition represents a concerted international effort to provide operational support to Haiti in its fight against widespread violence and criminal gangs. Although the United Nations itself is not directly administering the MSS mission, it has been crucial in securing the Security Council’s authorization, which legitimized the deployment of forces.
The MSS mission is focused on providing operational and tactical support to the Haitian National Police, whose capabilities have been severely strained in recent years. With law enforcement overwhelmed and criminal elements gaining ground, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, Haiti has seen a spike in insecurity. Violent gangs have taken control of large parts of the city and its surrounding areas, leading to a breakdown in law and order and making life increasingly perilous for ordinary Haitians.
The UN Security Council’s initial resolution in October 2023 authorized the deployment of the MSS mission for a period of 12 months, with a review scheduled after nine months. The resolution specified that the operation would be funded through voluntary contributions from individual countries and regional organizations. This funding model, while common in such international operations, added complexity to the mission’s deployment timeline, as securing sufficient financial resources has proven challenging.
Originally, the MSS mission was scheduled to begin in February 2024. However, delays due to funding issues, legal challenges within Kenya, and escalating violence in Haiti pushed back the timeline. Despite these setbacks, Kenya deployed the first two contingents of approximately 400 officers in June and July 2024, marking the beginning of the mission’s phased deployment plan. The remaining 600 officers from Kenya are expected to arrive within the next two months, completing Kenya’s pledged contribution to the force.
In addition to Kenya’s contributions, other countries from the Caribbean have also begun to send contingents to support the mission. In September 2024, Jamaica deployed a team of 24 military and police officers, while Belize contributed two military officers. This regional collaboration underscores the widespread recognition of the gravity of the situation in Haiti and the need for collective action to address the crisis.
The MSS mission’s ultimate goal is to create the conditions necessary for Haiti to hold free and fair elections. This objective is critical for restoring democratic governance in the country, which has been plagued by political instability since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Since then, the country has struggled to maintain order, with the interim government facing significant challenges in governing effectively.
The mission also seeks to address the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where poverty, food insecurity, and a lack of access to basic services have exacerbated the overall situation. The deployment of security forces is seen as a crucial first step in stabilizing the country so that aid can reach those in need and basic infrastructure can be restored. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has been a vocal advocate for this approach, calling on the international community to provide urgent support to Haiti.
Kenya’s role in leading this mission marks a significant moment in the country’s foreign policy, as it takes on a prominent leadership role in an international peacekeeping effort. This commitment reflects Kenya’s broader efforts to contribute to global security, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean. Despite facing internal challenges, including legal opposition to the deployment of its officers and debates about the risks involved, Kenya has maintained its position at the forefront of this mission.
For Haiti, the continuation of the MSS mission brings hope that the international community remains committed to supporting its recovery. The Haitian government has expressed its gratitude for the deployment, viewing it as an essential component in the fight to regain control of the country from criminal gangs and restore the rule of law. However, the challenges ahead remain formidable, with much work needed to rebuild the country’s institutions and ensure lasting peace and stability.
The extension of the mission for another year reflects the Security Council’s recognition that Haiti’s recovery will be a long-term process. While progress has been made since the deployment began, the situation remains fragile. Gangs still control large portions of the country, and the Haitian National Police, despite receiving international support, continues to face significant operational challenges. The road ahead will require sustained international commitment and cooperation, as well as significant resources to ensure the success of the MSS mission.
In conclusion, the United Nations Security Council’s decision to extend the Kenya-led MSS mission in Haiti for another year is a crucial step in supporting Haiti’s efforts to restore security and stability. The multinational force, led by Kenya and supported by countries from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, represents a collective effort to address the security crisis in Haiti and create the conditions necessary for the country’s recovery. While challenges remain, the mission’s continuation provides a pathway for Haiti to rebuild its institutions, restore order, and prepare for free and fair elections. The international community’s ongoing support will be essential in ensuring that Haiti can overcome its current challenges and move towards a more stable and prosperous future.
