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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has ruled out transforming Haiti’s Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a full-fledged UN peacekeeping force, at least for now. Instead, he is recommending the establishment of a UN support office to provide critical logistical and operational backing to the MSS.
The proposal, detailed in a letter to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, suggests that the support office be financed through the UN peacekeeping budget. This would ensure more reliable funding and resources for the mission, which has struggled with financial shortfalls and limited personnel.
Guterres emphasized that Haiti’s security situation remains dire, with gangs controlling an estimated 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In recent weeks, these armed groups have expanded into new neighborhoods, displacing over 6,000 people, according to UN reports.
To counter this worsening crisis, Guterres is advocating a “dual-track strategy.” This would involve the UN assuming new roles to strengthen the MSS, the Haitian National Police, and national authorities. His proposal includes providing essential support such as drones, fuel, ground and air transport, and other non-lethal assistance.
The MSS, led by Kenya with personnel from the Bahamas, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica, has so far deployed only 1,000 officers—less than half of the 2,500 planned. Guterres stressed that stronger intelligence capabilities and specialized police units are needed to protect critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, and oil terminals.
Funding has been a persistent obstacle. The MSS trust fund has received $110.8 million in voluntary contributions from countries including Canada, France, Germany, and the United States. However, $48 million remains unallocated, and significantly more funding is needed to meet the mission’s goals.
The idea of transitioning the MSS into a UN peacekeeping force has been a subject of debate within the Security Council. While some countries, including the United States and Ecuador, previously supported the move, others—such as China and Russia—have raised concerns. They argue that Haiti’s security crisis does not yet provide the necessary conditions for a peacekeeping operation, given the lack of stability on the ground.
Haiti’s history with UN peacekeeping missions has also influenced discussions. Previous missions faced controversy, including allegations of human rights abuses and the introduction of a cholera outbreak in 2010. Initially, a non-UN-led mission was seen as a better alternative. However, given ongoing challenges, some Haitian officials have begun reconsidering the benefits of a peacekeeping mission, particularly due to the access it would provide to sustainable funding and resources.
Guterres warned that Haiti is running out of time. “We must act quickly,” he wrote, underscoring the urgent need to curb escalating gang violence.
The MSS, which has been authorized until October 2025, represents the most immediate international response to Haiti’s security crisis. Guterres believes that if the mission reaches full deployment with adequate resources, it will provide the best chance of reducing gang territorial control in the medium term.
As the Security Council reviews Guterres’ proposal, Haiti’s security situation remains fragile. Whether the UN support office can provide the necessary resources to stabilize the country—or if stronger international intervention will eventually be needed—remains to be seen.
