The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission on Tuesday, November 19, issued an update on the current status of the Haiti mission.
In a post issued on their X handle, the MSS highlighted several areas where the Kenyan-led mission was undertaking operations as well as revealing the progress in key hotspot areas. MSS also pledged to restore stability and provide the necessary support to the Haitian government as the country faces a raging gang war.
MSS announced that progress was being made in the various hotspot areas, such as the international airport, the port authority headquarters, the police college, and the fuel terminal, amongst others.
"Despite gangs trying frantically to change their tactics, MSS has remained steadfast in its security operations that are currently being focused and the impact felt at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (TLIA), Carrefour Drouillard, Cazeau, Carrefour l’aeroport, IGHNP Building, National Port Authority (APN), Champ de Mars, Solino, Fort National, National Police College, Pont Sonde, Carrefour Paye, l’Estere, La Croix and Petite Rivière, Vivi Mitchell, Downtown, Delmas, Torcelle, Bourdon, Christ Roi, and Varreux Fuel Terminal,” the post read in part.
The update comes at a time when the United States of America (USA) has intensified its push to have the MSS mission be overhauled. The US is pushing for the Kenyan-led mission to be a United Nations peacekeeping mission, citing the spiraling state of gang violence in the capital of Port-au-Prince.
A draft resolution by the US aimed at expediting this transformation is now under scrutiny by the UN Security Council. The resolution urges Secretary-General António Guterres to accelerate contingency planning for the transition, a process that could take months.
Further, Haiti’s government has called for a UN peacekeeping force, a request supported by the Organization of American States. However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions among Haitians.
In the update, it reiterated the role of the UN in the mission’s activities and informed on the framework within which the mission operated.
“While the mission is led by a coalition of willing states, MSSM operates under the broader framework of the UN Security Council mandate. This provides legitimacy and a coordinated approach, aligning the mission’s activities with international law and humanitarian standards,” the mission notified.
The mission noted that the success of the mission was contingent on a multi-layered approach centered on collaboration, resource mobilization, and calculated tactical strategies. The MSSM also called upon the international community to chip into their efforts.
“The MSSM currently represents a critical opportunity for the international community to help the country break its cycle of violence and instability. However, its success hinges on strategic execution, sufficient resources, and building trust with the Haitian people,” the MSSM stated.
“The MSSM currently represents a critical opportunity for the international community to help the country break its cycle of violence and instability. However, its success hinges on strategic execution, sufficient resources, and building trust with the Haitian people,” they added.
In the statement, the mission also highlighted the joint efforts with the Haitian National Police that have culminated in an improvement to the HNP. “The mission includes training and logistical support for the HNP, which has struggled with limited resources and personnel in its attempts to combat the escalating violence. Enhanced training, strategic advisory, and improved equipment have boosted HNP’s effectiveness in law enforcement,” the mission claimed.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has committed an additional 600 officers, slated for deployment this month.
