On September 30, 2024, the United Nations adopted a resolution extending the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti until October 2, 2025. The resolution encourages the mission to accelerate its deployment and seeks additional voluntary contributions.
This decision comes after a call from Edgard Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti's transitional presidential council, for a discussion on moving to a U.N. peacekeeping force. This marked the first public support from a government official since the U.S. proposed a U.N. peacekeeping mission in early September to bolster resources for the Kenya-led initiative.
Currently, nearly 400 Kenyan officers are deployed in Haiti, supported by a small contingent from Jamaica. However, this number falls significantly short of the 2,500 personnel pledged by various countries, highlighting a critical gap in both manpower and funding.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, with gangs reportedly controlling up to 80% of the capital. The increase in violence has prompted civilian vigilante groups to rise against the gangs, as citizens continue to live in fear.
Leblanc emphasized the urgent need for improved security, stating that many Haitians cannot move freely or access basic services without risking their safety.