The future of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has been cast into doubt after the United States warned that funding may stop unless the United Nations agrees to key reforms.
The reforms would expand the mission into a Gang Suppression Force, growing to 5,500 officers with wider powers similar to UN peacekeeping operations. U.S. officials argue that without this change, the current mission will remain too small and weak to control armed gangs in Port-au-Prince.
A senior U.S. diplomat cautioned that unless the Security Council approves the changes, Washington could halt its funding after December 2025.
Kenya, which leads the MSS, has raised concerns about the quality of support received. Officials have pointed out that some of the vehicles provided for deployment were unreliable and broke down in dangerous territories controlled by gangs, risking the lives of soldiers.
Despite this, Kenyan authorities maintain that the mission is not facing an immediate collapse.
According to UN data, the Trust Fund for Haiti has already received more than US$85 million out of the US$110 million pledged by different countries.
These resources will allow the mission to keep operating at least until September 2025, even as debates continue over its restructuring.
The standoff reflects broader disagreements on how to restore order in Haiti, where gang violence, mass displacement, and humanitarian crises continue to worsen.
The challenge also shows the difficulties of running multinational missions that depend on voluntary funding while countries at the UN hold different political priorities.
