Kenya-US back Gang Suppression Force in Haiti amid fears of veto by China, Russia

Following the high-level event on Haiti during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, the two states also pushed for a resolution for the establishment of the UN Support Office for Haiti (Unsoh).

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said through a strengthened new mandate, Unsoh would better support the 5,500 forces needed to restore security necessary for the return to elected governance. 

Landau said the new mission would address the gaps the MSS has faced, which include unhonoured pledges in terms of financial and personnel contributions.

He regretted that despite Kenya’s contributions, the mission lacks the mandate and necessary resources to address the gang menace.

“That is why the US and Panama have worked with Haiti to introduce a UN Security Council resolution to establish a larger gang suppression force with a broader mandate; and a UN support office for Haiti, which would provide the necessary operational and logistical support for the force,” Landau said.

While noting the solutions to the gang violence must be Haitian-led and internationally supported, Kenya and the US urged member states to support the resolution when it comes to a vote and to contribute to the effort.

“The GSF and Unsoh would provide tools needed to address Haiti’s immediate security challenges, but enduring recovery depends on Haitian leadership. Haiti must write its own future and work towards building a stable nation,” the statement said.

However, Landau sent a caution that adoption of the resolution was not a done deal, with fears some P-5 states may veto the resolution.

“Despite overwhelming support of the UN Security Council, there are still those who might try to prevent its adoption or slow our response in Haiti’s hour of need,” the American to diplomat said.

While France, the UK, and the US have previously supported MSS’ transformation into a peacekeeping operation, China and Russia have opposed this option citing the history of UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti.

In the November 2024 debate, Russia accused the US of external interference in Haiti, warning of hasty decisions. 

China's delegate Ambassador Geng Shuang said Beijing position on Haiti is clear and consistent that the solution to Haiti problem is based on addressing the prevailing domestic challenges.

"On February 22, 2021, during the council’s meeting on the question of Haiti, I said 'the lessons learned over the years have shown unless all political factions in Haiti assume their responsibilities, demonstrate political will and work together for the stability and development of their country, no external effort or assistance would be helpful," Geng said.

However, in a move to appease China and Russia, who had argued that there is no peace in Haiti to keep, the US and Panama are now proposing for an enforcement force. 

President William Ruto said as the debate on the successor mission continues, the fulfillment of its mandate will depend on three key requirements.

"A clear mandate, a predictable resource and equipment package and sufficient logistical support. Without these, gains made will be lost and momentum for restoration of security elusive," he said.

Further expressing Kenya's interest to continue being in Haiti post-October 2, Ruto said Kenya stands ready to aid the transition to the successor mission and is committed to continue supporting Haiti's peace and stability efforts.   

"With the MSS mandate expiring in 11 days, I urge the international community, and especially the P5, to ensure a responsible transition that protects the people of Haiti and secures the progress already made," he said.