The United States is preparing to replace Kenya as the leader of the multinational security support (MSS) mission in Haiti. This signals a major change in the international effort to stabilize the country. The move comes as concerns grow over the mission’s effectiveness and the U.S. pushes for more regional involvement.
Why the Mission is Struggling
A phone call between Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio showed the change is coming. During the call, Kenyan leaders lobbied for proposals from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He recommended that the UN establish a support office to provide logistical help for the mission.
While Kenya provides most of the mission’s police, the U.S. is the main financial backer. A year after the first police deployment, the UN warns that Haiti is still facing a humanitarian crisis. Its capital, Port-au-Prince, is at risk of a complete gang takeover. The mission has major shortfalls in personnel, intelligence, and equipment.
The Push for OAS Involvement
To address these challenges, the U.S. is urging the Organization of American States (OAS) to take a lead role. The U.S. heavily funds the OAS. Kimberly Penland, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, thanked Kenya for its dedication. She added that more of the international community should be involved. “We will also seek robust regional participation to provide strategic leadership of the force,” she said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at this move earlier in May. He told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Haiti is “heading in a bad direction” and a new strategy is needed. “Why would we have an OAS if it cannot deal with Haiti?” he asked. “This is one example of something I would like us to lead on and that is to get organizations like OAS to step forward and provide a mission to deal with Haiti.”
If successful, this move could see Kenya leave its leadership role. A new, OAS-led effort could then work to bring stability to Haiti.
