The United Nations Security Council on Monday unanimously renewed the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to combat armed groups in Haiti after the United States stopped pushing for an expanded peacekeeping force effort.
The resolution, led by the United States and Ecuador, would extend the MSS for another year until October 2025, giving police more time to deal with the proliferation of violent gangs in the Caribbean island nation.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the renewal “sends a strong message to the Haitian people.”
“The world stands with you and we remain steadfast in our efforts to restore security and stability.” she told the media in New York. “Haiti continues to face a protracted crisis exacerbated by the activities of criminal organizations and their indiscriminate violent attacks, which disproportionately impact civilians, especially women and children. ”
U.S. efforts to transform the MSS into a peacekeeping mission have run into opposition from China and Russia, which are permanent members of the Security Council and have veto powers.
Both countries expressed concern that the mission was not yet ready for such changes, and the resolution was ultimately amended to remove the peacekeeping language.
The Kenyan-led MSS was first deployed in June and currently has around 400 officers supporting the Haitian National Police. Although some progress has been made in regaining control of the armed groups in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, funding continues to be lacking and it has not been possible to oust the groups that control large parts of the city.
Kenyan President William Ruto said he was “deeply grateful” for financial support for the MSS, but said its mission was “hampered by insufficient equipment, logistics and funding.”
“I appeal to all member states to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people.” He said this in a speech at the United Nations last week.. “Progress to date in Haiti shows that what once seemed mission impossible may indeed become a reality and an undeniable possibility.”
Ruto added that despite funding concerns, the entire police force of 2,500 officers is expected to be in place by January.
The United States and Canada are the biggest supporters of MSS. Although Washington has contributed about $300 million to the mission and Canada has contributed more than $80 million in support, many of the MSS's funding requirements have not been met.
Thomas-Greenfield said the MSS has made “tangible progress” since its deployment in June.
“But more needs to be done to capitalize on that momentum, combat gang violence and continue to build a sense of safety,” she said. “Additional funding is urgently needed.”
Since the death of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has been subject to continued attacks by armed groups, and the MSS was recognized by the United Nations in October 2023 at the request of Port-au-Prince.
Haiti's government, led by Acting Prime Minister Garry Conille, has little power and relies on the MSS and the international community to fight gangs.
More than 600,000 people are displaced and more than 5 million struggle to access basic necessities in Haiti, according to the United Nations, but Haiti's transitional council is preparing for new elections once security is restored. is in progress.
This gang is extremely well-armed, largely due to gun trafficking from the United States, posing an immense challenge to the MSS. More than 60 members stood up. he said in a letter to the Biden administration last week. They called for more efforts to crack down on arms smuggling to the Caribbean.
