The UN Security Council (UNSC) approved a proposal from the United States on Tuesday to bolster Haiti’s security mission with additional personnel and funding.
During the presentation of the expansion plan, Ambassador Mike Waltz remarked, “This dramatic increase in gang violence threatens the very existence of the Haitian state.”
Waltz expressed that the resolution brings hope to Haitians, though that hope is quickly fading as violent gangs extend their control, committing acts of rape, theft, murder, and causing terror among the civilian population.
The vote to extend the mission passed with a 12-0 outcome, while China, Russia, and Pakistan chose to abstain.
Critics from Russia and China have pointed fingers at the U.S. for not sufficiently curbing the flow of weapons to the gangs, suggesting that the proposals presented were vague and lacking crucial details.
“Honestly, if the contributor fails to provide the promised funds to MSS, can you assure us that this new mission will be different?” the Russian ambassador questioned, highlighting what he sees as U.S. negligence in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Haiti while spending billions to support Ukraine.
There are concerns, too, that today’s proposals might be used by the U.S. as a pretext for military actions under the guise of combating drug trafficking.
According to reports, U.S. officials informed the UNSC that they cannot guarantee ongoing financial support for the mission unless their proposals to enhance the operational capability against gangs are accepted.
The current Multinational Security Support (MSS) operation in Haiti is modest and ill-equipped for the issues at hand. Only Kenya has stepped up to provide assistance, sending 400 police officers to Haiti in 2024.
Kenya’s commitment has since grown; they now have about 800 officers on the ground, with an additional 200 promised for the future. Around 150 officers from Guatemala have also recently engaged in the mission.
The U.S. proposal aims to establish a “Gang Restraint Force” (GSF) to significantly enhance the Kenya-led MSS with up to 5,550 police officers, empowering them to confront heavily armed gangs more effectively.
The plan also suggests setting up a UN Aid Agency in Haiti for operational support in these expanded efforts. Some critics allege that the Kenyan president may lack the necessary constitutional approval to deploy forces, suggesting issues regarding inadequate support for deployed officers, including insufficient provisions and low wages.
Ambassador Waltz anticipated a mission five times larger than its predecessor, aimed at pursuing and dismantling gang operations. However, the recent UNSC vote did not clarify when these additional troops would be deployed or their origins.
Laurent San Sai, head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, hailed the vote as a pivotal moment in the battle against armed criminal groups that have devastated families, stifled the economy, and threatened the nation’s future.
