The United Nations Security Council has authorized the transformation of Kenya's Multinational Security Support mission into a Gang Suppression Force to combat escalating violence in Haiti. The resolution passed with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions from China, Pakistan, and Russia. The new force will deploy up to 5,550 personnel for an initial 12-month period to address the security crisis that has plagued Haiti since President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in July 2021.
Haiti's UN envoy Ericq Pierre described the decision as a decisive turning point in confronting heavily armed gangs that have destabilized the nation. U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz characterized the move as a key first step in addressing the humanitarian emergency. Russia objected to the transition, warning that insufficient evaluation of the previous mission could lead to unintended consequences with an unrestricted mandate to use force.
Regional partners from Caricom, Kenya, Barbados, The Bahamas, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica will provide support for the mission. Guyana's ambassador emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, noting that children comprise half of gang membership. Haitian officials maintain the new force represents the most substantial international effort to restore order amid one of the Caribbean nation's most severe security crises.
Haiti's UN envoy Ericq Pierre described the decision as a decisive turning point in confronting heavily armed gangs that have destabilized the nation. U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz characterized the move as a key first step in addressing the humanitarian emergency. Russia objected to the transition, warning that insufficient evaluation of the previous mission could lead to unintended consequences with an unrestricted mandate to use force.
Regional partners from Caricom, Kenya, Barbados, The Bahamas, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica will provide support for the mission. Guyana's ambassador emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, noting that children comprise half of gang membership. Haitian officials maintain the new force represents the most substantial international effort to restore order amid one of the Caribbean nation's most severe security crises.
