Russia has cast doubt on the viability of transforming the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping operation, citing unsuitable conditions on the ground and a lack of local capacity to support such a transition.
Moscow argued that the mission must focus on addressing immediate challenges rather than pursuing structural changes that might exacerbate Haiti’s volatile situation.
In a statement on Friday, November 22, the Russian Deputy Permanent Representative, Dmitry Polyanskiy, to the UN emphasised that Haiti’s current conditions are incompatible with the UN's traditional peacekeeping roles, which are aimed at maintaining stability rather than engaging in urban crime-fighting. Moscow also pointed to the absence of legitimate constitutional authority in Haiti, arguing that the country’s transition government lacks the standing to request a full-fledged UN operation.
"It would be simply irresponsible to start talking about adapting the mandate or transforming the Mission without identifying the challenges faced by its predecessor and ways to address them," said Dmitry.
Kenyan forces deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission are currently among the few actors countering Haiti’s rampant gang violence. However, Moscow stressed that logistical and financial support for these forces is insufficient, warning that without urgent assistance, the mission could collapse under the weight of the deteriorating security situation.
Russia’s representative painted a grim picture of Haiti’s plight, pointing to the re-closure of the capital's airport, the resurgence of gang dominance, and mass displacements of civilians. Violence, once confined to the capital, has now spilt into outlying areas, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The mission’s struggles come despite its renewal two months ago. Russian officials lamented that progress made earlier in the year has been entirely reversed. They criticised the lack of a comprehensive strategy from international stakeholders, warning that premature discussions about a UN peacekeeping transition risk diverting attention from addressing the mission's immediate challenges.
Humanitarian agencies have echoed concerns over the escalating insecurity with some halting operations in Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Haiti has issued a travel alert, suspending civilian services indefinitely. Calls for urgent action have grown louder as the situation worsens, with Haitian police and Kenyan troops left as the sole bulwarks against criminal gangs.
Moscow called for frank discussions among UN Security Council members about the MSS mission’s effectiveness, highlighting unaddressed funding shortages and logistical challenges. The Kenyan government has indicated it can sustain its contingent in Haiti until March 2025, but without international financial commitments, the long-term viability of the mission remains uncertain.
China has aligned with Russia’s position, both countries having vetoed the proposal to transform the MSS mission during a September UN Security Council meeting. This resistance has frustrated the United States and its allies, who view an expanded UN role as critical to stabilising Haiti.
