UN Raises Alarm On Kenya-Led Mission In Haiti Over Fund-Strap
With only 10 days until the UN Integrated Office in Haiti’s mandate expires, UN officials are concerned about the country’s escalating situation.
They warn that without immediate action to renew and strengthen the mission, notably its backing for Kenya’s MSS force, Haiti faces total state collapse.
While Kenya claims to be making headway in security, UN officials describe a gloomy reality: gangs consolidating their grip on the city and a peacekeeping force that is dangerously under-equipped to push back.
Kenya marked one year since it first sent police to Haiti as part of a Multi-National Security Support operation.
“We have a government in place, hospitals have been reopened, security of the presidential palace, the international airport and the sea port,” said Amb. Yabesh Monari, Deputy Permanent Representative, UN.
Haiti deployment: A year on
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 28, 2025
Kenya threatens to disengage from Haiti in letter to Security Council
Security Council due to meet on Monday to address funding crisis
US says it cannot continue to carry heavy financial burden#CitizenWeekend @OBurrows pic.twitter.com/6DEbrDRyFQ
The United Nations Secretary-General has warned that if proper resources are not provided, the mission’s influence on Haitian security will be limited and temporary.
“We have continued to witness a sharp erosion of state authority and the rule of law,” said Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, UN.
“The capital city was for all intents and purposes paralyzed by gangs and isolated as a result of the ongoing suspension of international commercial flights into the Toussaint Louverture International Airport.”
He added: “Since then, gangs have only strengthened their foothold, which now affects all communes of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and beyond, pushing the situation closer to the brink.”
“Organized criminal groups have gained near-total control of the capital, with an estimated 90 per cent of Port-au-Prince under their grip,” said Ghada Waly, Director-General, UNODC.
“Despite their best efforts, the MSS and Haitian National Police have been unable to make headway in restoring state authority and, without additional security support from the international community, the outlook is bleak.”
In a letter to the Security Council in February, Antonio Guterres noted that because the MSS relies on donors for crucial equipment, many of its armoured vehicles are unsuitable for the urban environment of Port-au-Prince.
The UN Chief maintained that a lack of spare parts had left half of their assault vehicles inoperable.
Furthermore, a lack of proper air support, communication systems, and intelligence capabilities undermines mission effectiveness and puts officers’ lives at risk.
“Without forward operating bases, the gangs come back,” said Amb. Yabesh Monari.
The original design called for 12 advanced operating bases, but there are now just three. At least 2,500 officers were to be deployed; there are already 991, including 735 from Kenya.
Haiti Mission Crisis:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 4, 2025
UN officials raise alarm over Haiti’s deepening crisis. 10 days left before the mandate of the UN office expires
Jenča: We continue witnessing erosion of rule of law
Waly: Gangs have gained near-total control of the capital#CitizenFridayNight… pic.twitter.com/cCwfOjP7tM
“We are operating at less than 30 per cent of capacity,” said Amb. Yabesh Monari.
“It is imperative that this discussion lead to clear actionable guidance on the future of MSS, as such direction is essential for Kenya to make informed decisions regarding the continuation of their commitment.”
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Kenya is operating in an increasingly complex environment.
“We are seeing a rapid growth in the number and activities of private security companies and vigilante self-defence groups,” said Miroslav Jenča.
And with the US under Donald Trump warning that it cannot continue to bear the greater fiscal burden of the mission.
The clock is ticking on a UN Security Council adoption of Guterres’ proposal to have a UN support office established to provide logistical and operational support.
UN Raises Alarm On Kenya-Led Mission In Haiti Over Fund-Strap
