The government of Kenya has welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) decision to authorize a new multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, replacing the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
The decision follows escalating gang violence, human rights abuses, and a humanitarian crisis that has paralyzed life in the Caribbean nation.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei described the move as timely.
“The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2793 (2025) last night by the UN Security Council is a welcome development in the pursuit of a more peaceful and secure Haiti,” he said on X.
He noted that Kenya, having led the MSS and aware of its challenges, co-sponsored the resolution. “As articulated by President William Ruto at the 80th UNGA, Kenya recognizes the hurdles the Mission faced and therefore supported the transition,” Sing’Oei said.
The new GSF will comprise 5,500 police and military officers supported by a UN Technical Office tasked with providing logistical support and mobilizing resources.
The force will also be backed by a newly created UN Support Office and the Organization of American States (OAS).
The UNSC authorized the GSF for 12 months in a vote of 12 in favor, with Russia, China, and one other member abstaining.
Kenyan police officers first arrived in Haiti in June 2024. Like the MSS, the GSF will retain a force commander but will now be overseen by a coalition of troop-contributing countries.
A special representative, a civilian, will provide oversight and political direction. The representative will also coordinate with the UN and OAS to strengthen joint operations between the GSF and Haitian police. This will include building operational facilities and security infrastructure to support planning and oversight.
The force will have a ceiling of 5,550 personnel, including 50 civilians.
While it will continue to rely on voluntary contributions to fund personnel, its operations and logistics—such as the US-constructed base in Port-au-Prince—will be overseen by the new UN Support Office.