The commander of the multinational security force deployed to combat Haiti’s brutal gang violence marked the mission’s one-year anniversary Thursday with an urgent plea for more international support, as critical shortages in personnel, equipment, and funding continue to hamper operations.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by Kenya and backed by the United Nations, finally deployed its first officers in June 2024—nearly two years after Haiti’s government begged for help. Yet, despite initial pledges of 3,000 personnel, fewer than 1,000 officers are currently on the ground, with many more stuck on standby due to funding and logistical constraints.
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Current Deployment Breakdown (per Kenyan President William Ruto):
- Kenya: Majority of forces
- Guatemala: 150 troops
- El Salvador: 78
- Jamaica: 23
- Bahamas & Belize: 8 combined
MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge acknowledged the mission’s struggles, stating that it lacks 70% of its planned equipment and operational support. Despite this, officers have secured two strategic bases in Artibonite, the region most devastated by gang violence.
Yet, progress remains slow. Haitian leaders have pushed to convert the mission into a formal UN peacekeeping operation—a move blocked at the Security Council by Russia and China, who oppose further UN interventions.
The humanitarian crisis deepens. To date, gang violence has:
- Displaced 1.3 million Haitians (up from 580,000 pre-deployment)
- Shuttered hospitals, courts, and businesses
- Paralyzed government functions
With the mission understaffed and underfunded, fears grow that Haiti’s crisis will spiral further. Commander Otunge urged more nations to contribute, warning: “Without support, gangs will keep winning.”
