United Nations — The United Nations Security Council has officially ended the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, approving the establishment of a new 5,550-strong Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to confront worsening violence and insecurity.
The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, passed with 12 votes in favor, while China, Pakistan, and Russia abstained.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasized the urgency of a stronger response, noting that the MSS lacked the “scale, scope, and resources” to tackle Haiti’s powerful gangs.
“Today’s vote sets that right. With this transformation into the Gang Suppression Force, we now have a mission five times larger than its predecessor, with a clear mandate to dismantle gangs and restore security,” Waltz said.
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The GSF will work alongside Haiti’s police and military to dismantle armed groups, protect critical infrastructure, secure humanitarian corridors, and support the reintegration of former fighters, according to UN documents.
Struggles of the Kenyan-Led Mission
Launched in 2023, the Kenyan-led MSS mission faced chronic underfunding and operational limits. Despite international backing, it struggled to contain gangs controlling large parts of Port-au-Prince and other regions.
Meanwhile, Haiti’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate: 1.3 million people are displaced, kidnappings are on the rise, and sexual violence is widespread.
A Turning Point for Haiti
Haitian Ambassador Pierre Ericq Pierre welcomed the Security Council’s decision, calling it a “decisive turning point” in the country’s fight against escalating violence.
While acknowledging that the MSS mission was a valuable show of solidarity, he stressed that Haiti’s reality demanded far more:
“The scale and sophistication of the threat far exceeds the mandate initially granted to the MSS,” Pierre said. “With this new offensive and operational mandate, the international community is finally equipped to respond to the gravity of the situation in Haiti.”
The creation of the GSF signals a renewed international effort to stabilize Haiti and restore a path toward long-term security.
