NAIROBI, Kenya – A total of 261 Kenyan police officers set for deployment to Haiti remain on standby due to a severe lack of equipment and logistical support, Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Monica Juma, reported to the UN Security Council on Monday.
Speaking at the ongoing discussions on the Haiti Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, Dr. Juma expressed frustration over the significant gap in resources, despite the mission’s critical role in combating escalating gang violence in Haiti.
She emphasized that while member states, particularly the United States, had made generous contributions, there was still a considerable shortfall hampering the mission’s ability to fully deliver on its mandate.
“The situation is dire,” said Dr. Juma. “The Kenyan officers, who are trained and ready for deployment, cannot reach the theatre of operations due to the lack of essential equipment and logistical support. We are at a critical juncture where timely action and full deployment are needed to stabilize Haiti.”
The MSS mission, which has been deployed in Haiti since June 2024, is currently operating with less than 40% of its required personnel, further limiting its capacity to address Haiti’s security crisis.
Despite these constraints, Dr. Juma noted that the mission continues to provide vital services, including the protection of government facilities, humanitarian access, and engagement with armed gangs, with recent operations resulting in casualties.
The United States, which has shouldered much of the financial burden, has expressed concerns about continuing to fund the mission at its current scale.
Meanwhile, France has pledged $10 million to support the ongoing operations.
However, there is increasing pressure on the international community to accelerate efforts, with a warning from UN officials about the dire consequences of inaction.
The escalating violence, driven by organized crime and territorial gangs, has led to the deaths of over 1,000 people and the displacement of tens of thousands, further straining the country’s fragile infrastructure.
Dr. Juma called for a coordinated global response, urging all member states to step up their support for the MSS mission, highlighting that the security of the Haitian people depends on the mission’s success.
“At this critical juncture, all Member States must increase support to Haiti’s security forces, particularly the MSS Mission – not as a matter of choice, but of necessity,” Dr. Juma stressed. “We must act now to prevent further destabilization.”
The crisis in Haiti continues to disrupt daily life and humanitarian efforts, with critical supply lines and air operations severely hampered by the ongoing violence.
The situation remains volatile, and UN officials warn that failure to provide consistent and adequate support could lead to the country’s total collapse.
