At the United Nations, the United States is pushing for an expanded international force to tackle Haiti’s armed gangs, building on the 15-month-old Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. While the MSS mandate is set to expire, a new US-backed draft resolution seeks to create a larger “Gang Suppression Force” with a revised command structure. This push comes as Haiti’s capital remains gripped by gang violence, displacing over a million people and blocking a political transition. Kenyan President William Ruto commended US support for the mission but highlighted staffing shortfalls, stating that the force was operating at just 40% of its 2,500-personnel target. He also criticized unreliable second-hand vehicles provided by the US, which he said endangered personnel. While Ruto indicated Kenya’s willingness to continue its involvement in the mission, he warned that past logistical failures must be corrected for any new mission to succeed.
Reuters
