Can't read it? Listen now!
The United States has abandoned its effort to transform the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti into a formal United Nations peacekeeping operation, following opposition from China and Russia. Instead, the U.S. and Ecuador are now seeking a one-year extension of the mission’s current mandate, which is set to expire this week. A U.N. Security Council vote on the extension is expected to take place soon.
Opposition from China and Russia
Throughout negotiations, China and Russia repeatedly opposed any language in the resolution that would pave the way for transitioning the mission into a U.N.-backed peacekeeping force. Both countries argued that the current security conditions in Haiti do not warrant such a shift, emphasizing that the mission needs to achieve its full capacity before further changes are considered.
Russia and China’s stance has been consistent with their broader opposition to U.N. interventions in Haiti. They also used the discussions to criticize U.S. policies in the Caribbean, highlighting the geopolitical tensions surrounding international involvement in Haiti’s crisis.
Struggles of the Current Mission
The Kenya-led MSSM has faced significant challenges since its deployment began in June 2024, primarily due to a lack of funding. Although up to 2,500 security personnel were planned for deployment, only around 400 foreign security officers, including Kenyan police and a small contingent of Jamaican soldiers, are currently on the ground.
The mission’s goal is to assist the Haitian National Police (PNH) in combating armed gangs that control significant portions of the country. However, the slow deployment of personnel and the absence of sufficient financial backing have hindered the mission’s effectiveness.
The U.S., which has contributed over $300 million to the mission, had pushed for it to transition to a U.N. peacekeeping operation to secure more consistent funding. However, with the peacekeeping option now off the table, the mission’s future depends on securing voluntary contributions from the international community.
Financial and Political Challenges
Kenya has estimated that the operation requires $600 million annually, but efforts to raise funds from other nations have fallen short. Despite being the second-largest financial contributor to the U.N., China has shown little interest in funding the mission, while Russia has displayed a lack of willingness to assist the U.S. in addressing international crises, including Haiti’s security situation.
Should the Security Council approve the extension of the MSSM, the mission will continue for another year, until October 2025. However, without sufficient financial support, the mission is unlikely to reach its full operational strength, leaving the U.S. once again responsible for the majority of the funding.
Broader Implications for Haiti
Haiti continues to face a deepening security crisis, with armed gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions. The lack of a robust international response risks prolonging the instability, while the delay in deploying more security personnel has raised concerns about the mission’s ability to restore order.
The opposition from China and Russia underscores the difficulties in building a cohesive international approach to Haiti’s ongoing crisis. Without a peacekeeping mandate, the future of the MSSM remains uncertain, and Haiti’s long-term security prospects may depend on further diplomatic efforts to secure both financial and logistical support for the mission.
