UN calls for support for international force for Haiti

iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image4turn0image8UN Calls for Support for International Force in Haiti Amid Escalating Crisis

The United Nations has urgently called for increased international support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, as the Caribbean nation grapples with escalating gang violence and political instability.

Background of the Crisis

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has experienced a profound political vacuum, leading to a surge in gang-related activities. Armed groups now control approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have displaced over a million citizens. The Haitian National Police (HNP), once numbering over 15,000 officers, has dwindled to around 9,000 due to casualties and desertions. This decline has severely hampered the state’s ability to maintain order and protect its citizens. citeturn0search7

Establishment of the MSS Mission

In response to Haiti’s request for assistance, the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of the MSS mission in October 2023. Led by Kenya, the mission aims to support the HNP in combating gang violence, restoring security, and facilitating the conditions necessary for free and fair elections. The mission is composed of personnel from various countries, including Kenya, Jamaica, Barbados, Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad. However, as of early 2025, the mission is operating with only about 1,000 personnel, far below the 2,500 needed for effective operations. citeturn0search7

UN’s Call for Enhanced Support

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the critical need for additional international support to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Haiti. He warned that without increased assistance, gangs could overrun Port-au-Prince, leading to a complete collapse of government authority. In response, Guterres proposed the establishment of a UN office to provide non-lethal resources such as drones, transportation, and fuel to support the MSS mission. This initiative aims to bolster the mission’s capabilities and assist the HNP in its efforts to regain control over gang-dominated areas. citeturn0news30

International Community’s Role

The international community has pledged various forms of support to the MSS mission. The United States has committed $300 million in funding, while countries like Benin have pledged personnel. Despite these contributions, the mission continues to face challenges related to under-resourcing and coordination. Some nations have advocated for transforming the MSS into a full-fledged UN peacekeeping force, but this proposal has met with resistance from certain Security Council members, including Russia and China, due to concerns over Haiti’s history with foreign interventions. citeturn0search10

Future Outlook

The situation in Haiti remains dire, with the potential for further escalation if immediate and substantial international support is not forthcoming. The UN continues to monitor developments closely and urges member states to fulfill their commitments to the MSS mission. The success of the mission is crucial not only for restoring stability in Haiti but also for upholding the principles of international peace and security.

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