Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed a pivotal shift in the international security mission in Haiti, as the United Nations Security Council formally transitions the operation from the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) to a new, robust Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry hailed the move as a “pivotal shift towards restoring peace and stability” in the Caribbean nation, which has been crippled by widespread gang violence. The transition marks a significant evolution in the international community’s response to the crisis.
The newly adopted resolution mandates the GSF to have a maximum of 5,500 uniformed personnel, comprising police officers and soldiers, for an initial period of 12 months. The mission has received backing from the United States, Panama, and several Caribbean member states.
“It also reflects the impact of Kenya’s leadership in mobilizing international attention, forging consensus, and catalysing collective action when others hesitated,” the Ministry’s statement read in part.
A Challenging Deployment
The transition comes after a difficult period for the initial MSS mission. Approved in 2023 and led by Kenya, the deployment aimed to support the overwhelmed Haitian National Police (HNP). Currently, approximately 800 Kenyan police officers are on the ground.
However, the mission has faced severe challenges and recorded tragic losses. Three Kenyan officers lost their lives during the deployment, with one officer’s body remaining missing since March 2025. A number of other personnel suffered injuries, underscoring the perilous environment in which the forces operate.
New Force, Broader Mandate
The new GSF is tasked with a more assertive mandate. It will work in close collaboration with the HNP and the Haitian Armed Forces (HAF) to conduct direct operations to neutralize criminal gangs, provide security for critical infrastructure such as ports and airports, and ensure safe corridors for humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
To ensure its effectiveness, the UN Security Council has tasked the Secretary-General with establishing a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). This office will be critical in providing comprehensive logistical and operational backing—including rations, medical care, transportation, and troop rotation—to the GSF and its Haitian counterparts.
A Commitment to Global Peace
Reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to the mission, the Ministry stated that its role in Haiti “has always been anchored in the protection of vulnerable communities, the upholding of the United Nations Charter, and our commitment to global peace and security in line with international obligations.”
As the mission transitions to its next phase, the international community watches with hope that this reinforced, well-supported force can succeed in disarming the gangs that have plunged Haiti into a deep crisis, paving the way for a return to stability and democratic order.
