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Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti

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Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti
Mission multinationale d'appui à la sécurité en Haïti[1]
UN soldiers in Haiti
ActiveJanuary 1, 2024
CountryHaiti
AllegianceUnited Nations
TypeMultinational force
Size3,000

The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti is an international police and military force approved by the United Nations Security Council on 2 October 2023 to assist the government of Haiti in restoring law and order amid worsening civil strife and gang violence since 2018.[2]

The mission is led by Kenya and coordinated with the Haitian National Police; though backed by the UNSC, it is not a United Nations operation.[3] Personnel have been pledged by Caribbean Community members Jamaica, Bahamas, Guyana, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda, as well as Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad.[4] Then-Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua stated that Spain, Senegal and Chile would likely deploy security personnel.[5][6] The first contingent of the security force arrived in Haiti on 25 June 2024.[7]

Background

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UN Security Council
Resolution 2699
Date2 October 2023
Meeting no.9,430
CodeS/RES/2699 (Document)
SubjectHaitian crisis (2018–present) and Gang war in Haiti
Voting summary
  • 13 voted for
  • None voted against
  • 2 abstained
ResultAdopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members
Non-permanent members
← 2698 Lists of resolutions 2700 ⊟

Haiti's government collapsed after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, after which the prime minister, Ariel Henry, assumed power without an election. Though Henry’s official term ended in early 2022, he postponed elections and governed without a constitutional mandate.[8] The political impasse has created conditions for escalating gang warfare and a wave of violent crime.[9] The following year he repeatedly called for an international intervention to counter growing armed gang violence in Haiti.[10]

Since 2021, the Haitian National Police (HNP) has suffered 100 fatalities and declined by over 7,000 personnel; by the end of 2023, only around 9,000 officers remained on duty for country of over 11 million—in contrast, 36,000 officers serve the 8 million residents of New York City alone. These challenges have been exacerbated by a cholera outbreak, deadly earthquakes, and economic strife, contributing to a broader humanitarian crisis.[9] According to a UN report, there were almost 2,800 murders recorded between October 2022 and June 2023.[10] During 2023 self-defense militias had killed more criminals than the police.[10] In March 2024, Ariel Henry resigned.[8]

Haiti has previously been subject to international policing missions. U.S. troops and U.N. civilian police conducted patrols in the mid-1990s when the Haitian police was just being established. From 2004 to 2017, the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) undertook broad security duties that included an armed anti-gang campaign; it was replaced by a much smaller police force, the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH),[11] which concluded in 2019. Both missions were marred by controversies, including allegations of U.N. troops sexually exploiting poor women and being responsible for the cholera outbreak in 2010.[12]

UNSC Resolution 2699

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One year after the Haitian government's formal request to the U.N. for international assistance,[13] the United States and Ecuador drafted United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699.[14] Adopted on 2 October 2023, the resolution mandates the MSS with helping the HNP counter gangs, restore security, and create conditions for free and fair elections.[15] It also grants the MSS temporary executive policing authority in Haiti, including the powers of detention and arrest.[9] Additionally, the resolution also extended a previous arms embargo.[16] Thirteen members voted in favour, with Russia and China abstaining.[15]

According to Le Monde, the controversial history of past United Nations interventions in Haiti and widespread opposition to American involvement led Washington to propose a new model: a multinational force led by an African country. Victoria Nuland, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, stated that "ten to twelve countries," will participate in the mission, with the United States providing logistical, financial, and medical support.[10]

In February 2024, conferences in Brazil and Guyana regarding the mission were followed by additional commitments by various countries;[17] the United States announced it would contribute another $100 million in support of the mission,[18] raising its total pledge to $300 million,[19] while Benin pledged to provide 2,000 soldiers. As of 30 September 2024, Kenya, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, and Guinea have formally agreed to provide personnel.[4] Prior to deployment, the MSS is required to present an operational plan to the U.N. Security Council and create an oversight mechanism to monitor the mission; participating personnel would also be subject to U.N. vetting.[17] Additionally, personnel receiving U.S. support would be subject to U.S. human rights vetting pursuant to the "Leahy Laws".[20]

Preparations

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The United States has pledged $200 million to the mission and an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid.[21] Canada announced $123 million to support Haiti, including $80.5 million for the mission.[22][23] During March 2024, the U.N. indicated that $78 million had been formally pledged, of which only $10.8 million was deposited, by Canada and France.[4][24] As of October 2024, operation has received only $85 million, while its annual budget is estimated at $600 million.[25]

On 20 May 2024, Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital of Haiti was reopened after being closed for three months. The US military was flying in supplies and civilian contractors in the preceding weeks to pave a way for the intervention.[26]

On 23 May 2024, in recognition of its willingness to lead the mission, US President Joe Biden announced that Kenya will be granted a Major non-NATO ally status.[27]

Deployment

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On 25 June 2024, Kenya's first contingent of 400 elite police officers landed in Port-au-Prince's international airport after months of delay.[28] A second contingent consisting of 200 officers arrived on 16 July.[29] On 12 September 2024, two dozen soldiers and police officers from Jamaica arrived in Haiti to join a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya to combat the gangs.[30]

Three months into the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, little progress has been made, with no tangible improvement in Haiti's security situation. As of late October 2024, the mission remains severely understaffed, with Kenya deploying only 400 troops, alongside 20 officers from Jamaica and Belize. Kenyan President William Ruto has pledged that the full deployment of Kenya Defence Forces will be completed "by January" 2025, but he has criticized the mission's "lack of equipment, logistics, and funds." Additionally, observers have expressed concerns over the mission's unclear operational framework and rules of engagement.[25]

Haitian National Police and MSS forces carry out joint patrols in Port-au-Prince, which is largely under the control of armed gangs.[25]

Haitian response

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In a 2023 survey, 70% of Haitians said they favor the deployment of an international armed force to fight the gangs, as authorized by the United Nations. The majority of respondents, 57%, said they do not think a coalition of civil society organizations that have come together under the name Montana Accord — an agreement for governing Haiti named after the Petionville hotel where it was signed — can solve the security crisis either. A total of 1,597 Haitians were surveyed across Haiti's 10 regional departments and the margin of error is below 3%. The poll was commissioned by the Haiti Health Network, a group of medical organizations in the country.[31]

Nou Pap Konplis, a nongovernmental organization, expressed support for the resolution but urged the government to draft a "roadmap" that would avoid the problems of past interventions.[32][33] Likewise, Ricardo Fleuridor, a leading activist and member of the Petrochallengers grassroots movement,[34] called on U.N. leaders to collaborate with competent Haitians skilled in international politics and diplomacy when establishing a roadmap for the multinational mission. Lastly, Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin observes that Haitians hope the force will enhance security and restore normalcy, but concerns about gang resistance mean its success hinges on the effectiveness of its initial operations.[35] Echoing the concerns of Haitian civil society, human rights experts have advocated additional training and mechanisms to prevent and punish human rights violations, which have historically plagued prior peacekeeping and security missions.[36]

On 17 April 2024, Haitian business leaders released a letter addressed to Kenyan President William Ruto stating that they were "extremely concerned" over the MSS' delay.[37]

Foreign response

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United States

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As the United Nations sanctions an independent Kenya-led multinational mission to the tumultuous nation of Haiti, Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s chief diplomat to the Organisation of American States (OAS), has probed the role of the US in the endeavor. While the US State Department has committed to providing $100 million in foreign assistance and the Department of Defense is willing to offer up to $100 million in supporting measures, Sir Ronald Sanders underscores a deeper historical connection. As discussions about the Haitian mission proceed, Sanders calls for a more active role by the US, challenging the emphasis on monetary contributions over direct involvement.[38]

Kenya

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Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu asserts that Kenya's leadership in the UN-backed mission in Haiti will bolster its global reputation as a dependable partner. Highlighting Kenya's peacekeeping history, she believes that the mission provides advanced training for Kenyan police and brings financial benefits, with countries like the US committing significant funds. Rather than combat, Kenyan officers will secure key infrastructures in Haiti. Nyamu emphasizes Kenya's commitment to global collaboration and Haiti's stabilization.[39]

Kenya's paramilitary General Service Unit may be deployed and some officers are learning French to communicate on the ground.

Troop pledges

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Country Personnel
pledged		 Ref
 Antigua and Barbuda TBD [40]
 Bangladesh TBD [6]
 Barbados TBD [6]
 Benin 2,000 [41][42]
 Chad TBD [6]
 El Salvador TBD [43]
 Guyana TBD  
 Grenada TBD  
 Saint Lucia TBD  
 Dominica TBD  
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines TBD  
 Jamaica 200  
 Kenya 1,000  
 Suriname TBD [44]
 The Bahamas 150 [45]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Conseil de sécurité: appel unanime au déploiement rapide de la Mission multinationale d'appui à la sécurité en Haïti sur fond de crise générale". Meetings Coverage and Press Releases (in French). 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  2. ^ "Security Council Authorizes Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti for Initial Period of One Year, by Vote of 13 in Favour with 2 Abstentions" (Press release). UNSC. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Security Council authorizes 'historic' support mission in Haiti | UN News". news.un.org. 2023-10-02. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  4. ^ a b c Five countries pledge personnel for Haiti security mission, UN says
  5. ^ Aradi, Gloria; Fletcher, Pascal (3 October 2023). "Haiti crisis: Can Kenyan police officers defeat the gangs?". BBC News. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d "Barbados Defence Force Getting Ready For Haiti". The St Kitts Nevis Observer. 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
  7. ^ Phillips, Tom; Côté-Paluck, Etienne (25 June 2024). "Haitians wary as Kenyan police arrive on latest US-backed mission". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b Coto, Dánica; Sanon, Evens (12 March 2024). "Ariel Henry: Haiti's PM says he will resign". AP News. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  9. ^ a b c "The New UN-Backed Mission in Haiti". Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  10. ^ a b c d Hochet-Bodin, Noé (2023-10-03). "Kenya-led UN security mission to intervene in Haiti, at the request of the US". Le Monde. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  11. ^ "Security Council decides UN Mission in Haiti will close by October; approves smaller follow-on operation". United Nations. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  12. ^ Sagás, Ernesto (2024-03-19). "Haiti is in crisis, but foreign intervention comes with an ugly past". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  13. ^ Alam, Hande Atay; Dupain, Etant (2022-10-07). "Haiti government asks for international military assistance". CNN. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  14. ^ Robles, Frances; Fassihi, Farnaz (2023-10-02). "U.N. Approves Kenya-Led Security Mission to Help Haiti Stamp Out Gangs". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  15. ^ a b Robles, Frances; Fassihi, Farnaz (2023-10-02). "U.N. Approves Kenya-Led Security Mission to Help Haiti Stamp Out Gangs". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  16. ^ Nichols, Michelle (2023-10-03). "UN authorizes Haiti security mission to fight gangs". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  17. ^ a b Haiti in Crisis: What Role for a Multinational Security Support Mission? Congressional Research Service (March 15, 2024)
  18. ^ John, Jennifer Hansler, Tara (2024-03-12). "US will contribute $300 million to Haiti's multinational security mission". CNN. Retrieved 2024-03-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Coto, Dánica (2023-10-02). "UN Security Council approves sending a Kenya-led force to Haiti to fight violent gangs". AP News. San Juan. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  20. ^ 22 U.S.C. §2378d and 10 U.S.C. §362
  21. ^ Blinken, Antony J. "UN Security Council Authorizes Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti". United States Department of State (Press release). Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  22. ^ Canada, Global Affairs (2024-02-23). "Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  23. ^ "Blinken rallies support for Haiti security mission in Brazil". Reuters. February 22, 2024.
  24. ^ "Haiti's PM called for security support. Who answered?". Reuters. 5 March 2024.
  25. ^ a b c Hauteville, Jean-Michel (2024-10-21). "In Haiti, gangs defy the multinational force". Le Monde. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  26. ^ "Haiti's international airport reopens after gang violence | AP News". AP News. 2024-05-21.
  27. ^ "Biden names Kenya a major non-NATO ally during state visit: NPR". NPR. 2024-05-23.
  28. ^ Phillips, Tom; Côté-Paluck, Etienne (2024-06-25). "Haitians wary as Kenyan police arrive on latest US-backed mission". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  29. ^ Sanon, Evens; Coto, Dánica (2024-07-16). "More Kenyan police arrive in Haiti with UN-backed mission to fight violent gangs". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  30. ^ "Jamaican soldiers and police arrive in Haiti to help fight gangs". AP News. 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-15.
  31. ^ Charles, Jacqueline (October 31, 2023). "Haiti poll finds majority favor international force amid worsening humanitarian crisis". Miami Herald.
  32. ^ "Haitian organization asks for roadmap for multinational mission - Prensa Latina". 2023-10-06. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  33. ^ Macajoux, Jean Allens (2023-10-06). "Force multinationale : « Les Haïtiens ne veulent pas revivre les blessures de la MINUSTAH», prévient Nou Pap Konplis" [Multinational Force: "Haitians do not want to relive the wounds of MINUSTAH," warns Nou Pap Konplis]. Vant Bèf Info (VBI) (in French). Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  34. ^ "Meet the Petrochallengers: A new generation wants to bring accountability to Haiti. Can they succeed?". The World from PRX. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  35. ^ "On Our Radar | Crisis Group". www.crisisgroup.org. 28 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  36. ^ sjs371 (2023-12-18). "The New UN-Backed Mission in Haiti | GJIA". Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. Retrieved 2024-04-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ "Haitian business leaders 'extremely concerned' over delay to Kenya-led mission". Voice of America. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  38. ^ Emmanuel, Robert A (2023-10-06). "Sir Ronald Sanders calls on US, France to play more active role in Kenyan-led Haitian mission". Antigua Observer. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
  39. ^ Mbuthia, Bashir (October 6, 2023). "Senator Karen Nyamu predicts immense gains for Kenya through Haiti mission". Citizen Digital.
  40. ^ "Antigua and Barbuda to deploy army personnel to crisis-hit Haiti". Daily Observer. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  41. ^ "Benin offers 2,000 troops to Haiti force, US ambassador says". Reuters. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  42. ^ Nichols, Michelle (1 March 2024). "Five countries pledge personnel for Haiti security mission, UN says". Reuters. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  43. ^ Blaise, Juhakenson (7 October 2024). "Salvadoran Military Set to Bolster Haiti Security Mission". The Haitian Times. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  44. ^ Clark, Joanne (26 September 2023). "Suriname joins international effort to bolster security in Haiti". Caribbean National Weekly. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  45. ^ "Statement From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Kenya's Commitment to Haiti" (Press release). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Bahamas. Retrieved 5 October 2023. The Bahamas has committed 150 persons to support the multi-national force once authorized
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