A year after the deployment of the first Kenyan police officers to Haiti, senior Haitian and United Nations officials gathered in Port-au-Prince on Thursday, June 27, to mark the anniversary of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS)—a U.N.-authorized initiative aimed at restoring order in the gang-controlled Caribbean nation. The Kenyan-led mission, now comprising 800 officers supported by contingents from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, operates alongside the Haitian National Police to confront armed gangs that currently control roughly 85% of Port-au-Prince.
María Isabel Salvador, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), praised the mission’s efforts, saying the MSS plays a “critical role in strengthening the Haitian police through joint operations, capacity-building, and coordinated strategies to counter gang violence.”
Force Commander Godfrey Otunge led the anniversary ceremony with a moment of silence for fallen officers from both Haiti and Kenya. He acknowledged the immense challenges facing the mission but expressed optimism that “collaborative action and continued international support” could pave the way for long-term peace. Despite growing global backing, the mission has faced persistent setbacks, including a shortage of funding and infrastructure. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department approved $40.7 million in support, covering operational costs such as field bases, logistics, and medical services.
This is Haiti’s fourth major international intervention since the 1990s. Unlike previous efforts, the MSS operates with a more focused mandate—providing security support without assuming political control. For many Haitians, the mission represents a crucial but fragile chance to restore national stability, dismantle criminal networks, and rebuild public confidence. The MSS continues to seek broader financial and troop commitments from member states to maintain momentum and address Haiti’s deepening humanitarian and security crisis.
