Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti

{{Infobox UN resolution|number=2699|organ=SC|date=2 October|year=2023|meeting=9,430|code=S/RES/2699|document=https://undocs.org/S/RES/2699(2023)|for=13|against=0|abstention=2|result=Adopted|subject=Haitian crisis (2018–present) and Gang war in Haiti}}

Haiti's government collapsed after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, after which the prime minister, Ariel Henry, assumed power without an election. Though Henry's official term ended in early 2022, he postponed elections and governed without a constitutional mandate.{{cite news |last1=Coto |first1=Dánica |last2=Sanon |first2=Evens |date=12 March 2024 |title=Ariel Henry: Haiti's PM says he will resign |url=https://apnews.com/article/haiti-henry-resignation-prime-minister-violence-28acaecc1d80d993c99fe43a5e1e1f7f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312055948/https://apnews.com/article/haiti-henry-resignation-prime-minister-violence-28acaecc1d80d993c99fe43a5e1e1f7f |archive-date=12 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |work=AP News}} The political impasse has created conditions for escalating gang warfare and a wave of violent crime. The following year he repeatedly called for an international intervention to counter growing armed gang violence in Haiti.{{Cite news |last=Hochet-Bodin |first=Noé |date=3 October 2023 |title=Kenya-led UN security mission to intervene in Haiti, at the request of the US |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/03/kenya-led-un-security-mission-to-intervene-in-haiti-at-the-request-of-the-us_6144852_4.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=Le Monde |language=en}}

Since 2021, the Haitian National Police (HNP) has suffered 100 fatalities and declined by over 7,000 personnel; by the end of 2023, only around 9,000 officers remained on duty for country of over 11 million—for comparison, 36,000 officers serve the 8 million residents of New York City alone. These challenges have been exacerbated by a cholera outbreak, deadly earthquakes, and economic strife, contributing to a broader humanitarian crisis.{{Cite web |last= |date=18 December 2023 |title=The New UN-Backed Mission in Haiti |url=https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2023/12/18/policing-without-a-political-plan-the-new-un-backed-mission-in-haiti/ |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=Georgetown Journal of International Affairs |language=en-US}} According to a UN report, there were almost 2,800 murders recorded between October 2022 and June 2023. During 2023 self-defense militias had killed more criminals than the police. In March 2024, Ariel Henry resigned.

Haiti has previously been subject to international policing missions. U.S. troops and U.N. civilian police conducted patrols in the mid-1990s when the Haitian police was just being established. From 2004 to 2017, the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) undertook broad security duties that included an armed anti-gang campaign; it was replaced by a much smaller police force, the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH),{{cite web |date=13 April 2017 |title=Security Council decides UN Mission in Haiti will close by October; approves smaller follow-on operation |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56559#.WRLEIPyCpxw |access-date=2 June 2017 |publisher=United Nations}} which concluded in 2019. Both missions were marred by controversies, including allegations of U.N. troops sexually exploiting poor women and being responsible for the cholera outbreak in 2010.{{Cite web |last=Sagás |first=Ernesto |date=19 March 2024 |title=Haiti is in crisis, but foreign intervention comes with an ugly past |url=http://theconversation.com/haiti-is-in-crisis-but-foreign-intervention-comes-with-an-ugly-past-225941 |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}

One year after the Haitian government's formal request to the U.N. for international assistance,{{Cite news |last1=Alam |first1=Hande Atay |last2=Dupain |first2=Etant |date=7 October 2022 |title=Haiti government asks for international military assistance |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/07/americas/haiti-international-military-assistance-humanitarian-crisis-intl/index.html |access-date=3 October 2023 |work=CNN |language=en}} the United States and Ecuador drafted United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699.{{Cite news |last1=Robles |first1=Frances |last2=Fassihi |first2=Farnaz |author-link2=Farnaz Fassihi |date=2 October 2023 |title=U.N. Approves Kenya-Led Security Mission to Help Haiti Stamp Out Gangs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/world/americas/un-kenya-mission-haiti.html |url-access=registration |access-date=3 October 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Adopted on 2 October 2023, the resolution mandates the MSS with helping the HNP counter gangs, restore security, and create conditions for free and fair elections. It also grants the MSS temporary executive policing authority in Haiti, including the powers of detention and arrest. Additionally, the resolution also extended a previous arms embargo.{{Cite news |last=Nichols |first=Michelle |date=3 October 2023 |title=UN authorizes Haiti security mission to fight gangs |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/un-authorizes-haiti-security-mission-fight-gangs-2023-10-02/ |access-date=3 October 2023}} Thirteen members voted in favour, with Russia and China abstaining.

According to Le Monde, the controversial history of past United Nations interventions in Haiti and widespread opposition to American involvement led Washington to propose a new model: a multinational force led by an African country. Victoria Nuland, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, stated that "ten to twelve countries," will participate in the mission, with the United States providing logistical, financial, and medical support.

In February 2024, conferences in Brazil and Guyana regarding the mission were followed by additional commitments by various countries;[https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12331 Haiti in Crisis: What Role for a Multinational Security Support Mission?] Congressional Research Service (15 March 2024) the United States announced it would contribute another $100 million in support of the mission,{{Cite web |last=John |first=Jennifer Hansler, Tara |date=12 March 2024 |title=US will contribute $300 million to Haiti's multinational security mission |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/11/americas/haiti-us-blinken-security-mission-intl-latam/index.html |access-date=22 March 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}} raising its total pledge to $300 million,{{Cite news |last=Coto |first=Dánica |date=2 October 2023 |title=UN Security Council approves sending a Kenya-led force to Haiti to fight violent gangs |url=https://apnews.com/article/haiti-un-kenya-armed-force-resolution-3749ac5db9d6c5903e61dee7b4206e6c |access-date=3 October 2023 |work=AP News |location=San Juan |language=en}} while Benin pledged to provide 2,000 soldiers. {{As of|2024|September|30}}, Kenya, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, and Guinea have formally agreed to provide personnel. Prior to deployment, the MSS is required to present an operational plan to the U.N. Security Council and create an oversight mechanism to monitor the mission; participating personnel would also be subject to U.N. vetting. Additionally, personnel receiving U.S. support would be subject to U.S. human rights vetting pursuant to the "Leahy Laws".22 U.S.C. §2378d and 10 U.S.C. §362

The United States has pledged $200 million to the mission and an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid.{{Cite press release |last=Blinken |first=Antony J. |author-link=Antony J. Blinken |title=UN Security Council Authorizes Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti |url=https://www.state.gov/un-security-council-authorizes-multinational-security-support-mission-to-haiti/ |access-date=7 November 2023 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}} Canada announced $123 million to support Haiti, including $80.5 million for the mission.{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Global Affairs |date=23 February 2024 |title=Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/02/canada-announces-123-million-in-funding-to-improve-security-in-haiti.html |access-date=27 March 2024 |website=www.canada.ca}}{{Cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=Blinken rallies support for Haiti security mission in Brazil |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/blinken-rallies-support-haiti-security-mission-brazil-2024-02-22/ |website=Reuters}} During March 2024, the U.N. indicated that $78 million had been formally pledged, of which only $10.8 million was deposited, by Canada and France.{{Cite web |date=5 March 2024 |title=Haiti's PM called for security support. Who answered? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haitis-prime-minister-called-international-security-support-who-answered-2024-03-05/ |website=Reuters}} As of October 2024, operation has received only $85 million, while its annual budget is estimated at $600 million.{{Cite news |last=Hauteville |first=Jean-Michel |date=21 October 2024 |title=In Haiti, gangs defy the multinational force |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/10/21/in-haiti-gangs-defy-the-multinational-force_6729988_4.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=Le Monde |language=en}}

On 30 March 2024, 70 Canadian soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment were deployed to Jamaica to provide training and support to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations heading to Haiti under MSS command.https://www.joint-forces.com/world-news/72053-operation-helios-canadian-armed-forces-members-deploy

On 20 May 2024, Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital of Haiti was reopened after being closed for three months. The US military was flying in supplies and civilian contractors in the preceding weeks to pave a way for the intervention.{{cite news |date=21 May 2024 |url=https://apnews.com/article/haiti-airport-reopening-portauprince-gangs-violence-4db3189b511bdcb4633b395ebf545194 |title=Haiti's international airport reopens after gang violence {{!}} AP News|work=AP News}}

On 23 May 2024, in recognition of its willingness to lead the mission, US President Joe Biden announced that Kenya will be granted a Major non-NATO ally status.{{cite news |date=23 May 2024 |url=https://www.npr.org/biden-kenya-state-visit |title=Biden names Kenya a major non-NATO ally during state visit: NPR |work=NPR}}

On 25 June 2024, Kenya's first contingent of 400 elite police officers landed in Port-au-Prince's international airport after months of delay.{{Cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |last2=Côté-Paluck |first2=Etienne |date=25 June 2024 |title=Haitians wary as Kenyan police arrive on latest US-backed mission |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/25/haitians-wary-as-kenyan-police-arrive-on-latest-us-backed-mission |access-date=26 June 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} A second contingent consisting of 200 officers arrived on 16 July.{{Cite news |last1=Sanon |first1=Evens |last2=Coto |first2=Dánica|date=16 July 2024 |title=More Kenyan police arrive in Haiti with UN-backed mission to fight violent gangs |url=https://apnews.com/article/kenya-police-haiti-gangs-violence-59e033c5a5aa567db02cc487465926cf |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=The Associated Press}} On 12 September 2024, two dozen soldiers and police officers from Jamaica arrived in Haiti to join a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya to combat the gangs.{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Jamaican soldiers and police arrive in Haiti to help fight gangs |url=https://apnews.com/article/jamaican-soldiers-police-arrive-haiti-gangs-deployed-230accf4bc1531f5f9a07d6aa2a9876c |access-date=15 September 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Three months into the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, little progress has been made, with no tangible improvement in Haiti's security situation. As of late October 2024, the mission remains severely understaffed, with Kenya deploying only 400 troops, alongside 20 officers from Jamaica and Belize. Kenyan President William Ruto has pledged that the full deployment of Kenya Police personnel will be completed "by January" 2025, but he has criticized the mission's "lack of equipment, logistics, and funds." Additionally, observers have expressed concerns over the mission's unclear operational framework and rules of engagement.

Haitian National Police and MSS forces carry out joint patrols in Port-au-Prince, which is largely under the control of armed gangs.

6 soldiers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (from an initially promised 150) would be deployed on 18 October 2024.{{Cite web |title=MMAS: 6 soldats bahaméens arrivés à Port-au-Prince |url=https://lenouvelliste.com/article/250979/mmas-6-soldats-bahameens-arrives-a-port-au-prince |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=lenouvelliste.com |language=en}} Then on 3 January 2025, 75 troops of the Guatemalan Army Military police and 8 airmen of the Salvadoran Air Force would land in Port-au-Prince. 75 additional troops of the Guatemalan Army military police unit would land the next day, completing Guatemala's deployment of pledged troops.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=iIzfxN9BYVvzf0Dq&v=4FGTvE9UG84&feature=youtu.be |title=Yon 2èm gwoup 75 militè "Guatemaltèque" rantre nan peyi a pou al ranfòse MMSS la. |date=2025-01-04 |last=TELE GINEN |access-date=2025-01-04 |via=YouTube}} The third deployment of Kenyan police officers, 217 officers this time, would occur on the 18th of January 2025.{{Cite web |last=Charles |first=Jacqueline |date=2025-01-18 |title=Kenya sends 217 more cops to Haiti to help fight armed gangs |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article298754313.html |website=Miami Herald}} On the same day that 70 Salvadorans would deploy to the theatre, the U.N. would announce that U.S. had put a freeze on its funding of the mission.

In a 2023 survey, 70% of Haitians said they favor the deployment of an international armed force to fight the gangs, as authorized by the United Nations. The majority of respondents, 57%, said they do not think a coalition of civil society organizations that have come together under the name Montana Accord — an agreement for governing Haiti named after the Petionville hotel where it was signed — can solve the security crisis either. A total of 1,597 Haitians were surveyed across Haiti's 10 regional departments and the margin of error is below 3%. The poll was commissioned by the Haiti Health Network, a group of medical organizations in the country.{{cite news |last=Charles |first=Jacqueline |author-link=Jacqueline Charles |date=31 October 2023 |title=Haiti poll finds majority favor international force amid worsening humanitarian crisis |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article281247298.html |work=Miami Herald}}

Nou Pap Konplis, a nongovernmental organization, expressed support for the resolution but urged the government to draft a "roadmap" that would avoid the problems of past interventions.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2023 |title=Haitian organization asks for roadmap for multinational mission – Prensa Latina |url=https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/10/06/haitian-organization-asks-for-roadmap-for-multinational-mission/,%20https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/10/06/haitian-organization-asks-for-roadmap-for-multinational-mission/ |access-date=22 April 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Macajoux |first=Jean Allens |date=6 October 2023 |title=Force multinationale : " Les Haïtiens ne veulent pas revivre les blessures de la MINUSTAH", prévient Nou Pap Konplis |trans-title=Multinational Force: "Haitians do not want to relive the wounds of MINUSTAH," warns Nou Pap Konplis |url=https://vantbefinfo.com/force-multinationale-les-haitiens-ne-veulent-pas-revivre-les-blessures-de-la-minustah-previent-nou-pap-konplis/ |access-date=6 October 2023 |website=Vant Bèf Info (VBI) |language=fr-FR}} Likewise, Ricardo Fleuridor, a leading activist and member of the Petrochallengers grassroots movement,{{Cite web |title=Meet the Petrochallengers: A new generation wants to bring accountability to Haiti. Can they succeed? |url=https://theworld.org/stories/2019/04/29/placeholder-petrocaribe |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=The World from PRX |language=en}} called on U.N. leaders to collaborate with competent Haitians skilled in international politics and diplomacy when establishing a roadmap for the multinational mission. Lastly, Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin observes that Haitians hope the force will enhance security and restore normalcy, but concerns about gang resistance mean its success hinges on the effectiveness of its initial operations.{{Cite web |date=28 June 2024 |title=On Our Radar {{!}} Crisis Group |url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/global/our-radar |access-date=30 August 2024 |website=www.crisisgroup.org |language=en}} Echoing the concerns of Haitian civil society, human rights experts have advocated additional training and mechanisms to prevent and punish human rights violations, which have historically plagued prior peacekeeping and security missions.{{Cite web |last=sjs371 |date=18 December 2023 |title=The New UN-Backed Mission in Haiti {{!}} GJIA |url=https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2023/12/18/policing-without-a-political-plan-the-new-un-backed-mission-in-haiti/ |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=Georgetown Journal of International Affairs |language=en-US}}

On 17 April 2024, Haitian business leaders released a letter addressed to Kenyan President William Ruto stating that they were "extremely concerned" over the MSS' delay.{{Cite web |date=17 April 2024 |title=Haitian business leaders 'extremely concerned' over delay to Kenya-led mission |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/haitian-business-leaders-extremely-concerned-over-delay-to-kenya-led-mission/7574224.html |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}

With the lack of action on the ground and lack of participation in operation, a growing number of Haitians have shown their mistrust in the objectives of the mission and are calling for investments in the Haitian police and Armed Forces of Haiti to resolve the security issues.

As the United Nations sanctions an independent Kenya-led multinational mission to the tumultuous nation of Haiti, Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's chief diplomat to the Organisation of American States (OAS), has probed the role of the US in the endeavor. While the US State Department has committed to providing $100 million in foreign assistance and the Department of Defense is willing to offer up to $100 million in supporting measures, Sir Ronald Sanders underscores a deeper historical connection. As discussions about the Haitian mission proceed, Sanders calls for a more active role by the US, challenging the emphasis on monetary contributions over direct involvement.{{cite web |url=https://antiguaobserver.com/sir-ronald-sanders-calls-on-us-france-to-play-more-active-role-in-kenyan-led-haitian-mission/ |title= Sir Ronald Sanders calls on US, France to play more active role in Kenyan-led Haitian mission |date=6 October 2023 |first=Robert A |last=Emmanuel |work=Antigua Observer |access-date=15 March 2024}}

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu asserts that Kenya's leadership in the UN-backed mission in Haiti will bolster its global reputation as a dependable partner. Highlighting Kenya's peacekeeping history, she believes that the mission provides advanced training for Kenyan police and brings financial benefits, with countries like the US committing significant funds. Rather than combat, Kenyan officers will secure key infrastructures in Haiti. Nyamu emphasizes Kenya's commitment to global collaboration and Haiti's stabilization.{{cite news|url=https://www.citizen.digital/news/senator-karen-nyamu-predicts-immense-gains-for-kenya-through-haiti-mission-n328833|title=Senator Karen Nyamu predicts immense gains for Kenya through Haiti mission|first=Bashir|last=Mbuthia|date=6 October 2023|work=Citizen Digital}}

Kenya's paramilitary General Service Unit may be deployed and some officers are learning French to communicate on the ground.

Current personnel deployed to the mission as of 15 April 2025.{{Cite web |title=MMAS: un nouveau groupe d’officiers jamaïcains débarque à Port-au-Prince |url=https://www.lenouvelliste.com/article/255301/mmas-un-nouveau-groupe-dofficiers-jamaicains-debarque-a-port-au-prince |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=lenouvelliste.com |language=en}}

On 24 February 2025, the Mission suffered its first casualty when a Kenyan Police officer assisting Haitian Police was killed in a gunfight with gangs.{{Cite news|title=Kenya-led multinational security mission records first death in Haiti, 31-year-old Samuel T. Kaetuai|url=https://haitiantimes.com/2025/02/24/kenyan-mss-officer-died-from-gunshot-wounds/|access-date=2024-03-31|website=Haitian Times}}

On 25 March 2025, gangs ambushed a Kenyan contingent while on a recovery mission which killed one Kenyan Police officer and torched three armored vehicles. A Kenyan police officer was also reported to be missing after the incident and gangs claimed to have killed him but the claims are not verified by any independent sources.{{Cite news|title=Kenyan police death toll rises as gangs torch three armored vehicles in Artibonite ambush|url=https://haitiantimes.com/2025/03/26/kenyan-police-officer-killed-in-artibonite/|access-date=2024-03-31|website=Haitian Times}}

• Haitian crisis (2018–present)
• Gang war in Haiti
• Operation Uphold Democracy
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 940
• List of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2601 to 2700 (2021–2023)

{{Reflist}}

• [https://kenyanforeignpolicy.com/kenyas-haiti-mission-financial-gains-or-genuine-empathy/ Kenya’s Haiti Mission: Financial Gains or Genuine Empathy?]
• [https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15432.doc.htm UN Press release]
• [https://media.un.org/en/asset/k13/k13u3vg27s UN Security Council meeting]

{{UNSCR 2023}}

Category:United Nations Security Council mandates

Category:Military operations involving Kenya

Category:Haiti and the United Nations

Category:Haitian crisis (2018–present)