INSIGHTi

Haiti in Crisis: What Role for a Multinational
Security Support Mission?
March 15, 2024
The political and security situation in Haiti has deteriorated since late February, with nearly 1,200 killed
between January 1 and March 6, 2024. The Haitian government has declared and extended a state of
emergency in response to widespread violence among gangs that now control prisons, police stations,
highways, and the main port, through which most food enters the country. These gangs—some of which
have been aligned with political elites—amassed power and control over Haitian territory and illicit
markets amid the deeply unpopular government of Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed
office following the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Henry resigned on March 12, in
the face of U.S. and international pressure to allow the formation of a transitional government as well as
threats from gangs and armed groups that prevented his return to Haiti from a trip abroad in late February.
A transition council selected among a cross-section of Haitian stakeholders with U.S. and Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) backing is to choose a new prime minister while a United Nations (U.N.)-
authorized, Kenya-led multinational security support mission (MSS) prepares to deploy to the country.
The Biden Administration has pledged support for the MSS and asked other countries to contribute
funding or forces. In October 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced plans “to work with
Congress” to provide $100 million in foreign assistance for the MSS and up to $100 million in
Department of Defense (DOD) “enabling support.” On March 12, Blinken pledged another $100 million
in DOD support.
Some Members of Congress have expressed concerns about the crisis in Haiti and its potential to
destabilize the Caribbean and fuel migration. Some Members support the MSS concept. Others maintain
there has not been adequate planning for the mission and have reportedly withheld requested MSS funds.
It is uncertain whether the MSS would be able to deploy without U.S. funding.
Origins of the MSS
In October 2022, Henry requested the deployment of an international force to help the Haitian National
Police (HNP) quell insecurity and facilitate humanitarian aid. Canada, Brazil, and other countries in the
Western Hemisphere that had been involved in the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH;
2004-2017) declined U.S. requests to lead such a force. MINUSTAH remains controversial in Haiti due to
alleged sexual abuse by some of its forces and its inadvertent introduction of cholera into the country.
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In July 2023, Kenya announced it would consider leading a multinational force in Haiti and sending 1,000
police, if authorized by the U.N. Security Council. Whereas U.S. and CARICOM officials praised Kenya,
some critics questioned the human rights record of the Kenyan police and whether they could overcome
language and cultural barriers. Others oppose an international security force deployment, arguing that
previous foreign interventions in Haiti have failed.
In October 2023, the U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 2699 to authorize a non-U.N. conducted
multinational force, financed by voluntary contributions, to provide security for critical infrastructure and
operational support to the HNP. The resolution called on member states to contribute personnel,
equipment, financial, and logistical support.
Current Status of the MSS
In January 2024, Kenya’s High Court blocked the government from deploying police officers to Haiti
without a bilateral security agreement, amid debate about the deployment’s constitutionality. Kenya and
Haiti signed a reciprocal agreement on March 1, intended to satisfy that requirement, but Kenya decided
to delay deployment until a new Haitian government is in place.
Although some countries were initially willing to support the MSS, several more have pledged financial
and personnel contributions since February 2024 conferences in Brazil and Guyana. Commitments
include 2,000 soldiers from Benin; additional forces from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, and Chad;
an $80.5 million pledge from Canada; and $10.8 million in donations from other countries.
Prior to deployment, the MSS needs to present an operational plan to the U.N. Security Council and
create an oversight mechanism to monitor the mission’s conduct. Participating personnel would be subject
to U.N. vetting, while those receiving U.S. support would be subject to U.S. human rights vetting
pursuant to the “Leahy Laws” (22 U.S.C. §2378d and 10 USC §362). Some human rights experts have
advocated additional training and mechanisms to prevent and punish human rights violations.
Some observers express concerns about how much more complex the security situation has become since
the authorization of the MSS, saying it may need to be strengthened. The mission’s key partner, the HNP,
is weak and, at times, allegedly complicit with criminal groups. It is as yet unclear whether the Haitian
transition council will choose a prime minister with sufficient support to begin establishing the political
conditions needed to stabilize the country and bolster the mission’s prospects for success.
U.S. Funding and Congressional Consideration
U.S. support for the MSS is intended by the Administration to complement funds that have been provided
to train and equip the HNP through bilateral U.S. programs and the multi-donor U.N. Basket Fund. The
United States allocated $230.9 million to Haiti in FY2023, including $45 million in International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) assistance focused primarily on the HNP. It also
allocated an additional $112.9 million in humanitarian assistance to the country. The Administration is
requesting $356.7 million in bilateral aid to Haiti in FY2025, including $169 million in INCLE—$100
million of which would support the MSS.
In addition to evaluating the Administration’s FY2025 budget request, Congress may consider whether or
not to provide funding for Haiti and the MSS as part of the ongoing FY2024 appropriations process
and/or shape how prior year appropriations are used in Haiti. For example, some Members of Congress
reportedly have placed a hold on roughly $40 million in FY2019 INCLE for MSS support notified to
Congress in October 2023.
Congress also may monitor the MSS and efforts to broker a political transition in Haiti and may assess
possible additional measures should the crisis in Haiti deteriorate further. U.S. marines have deployed to

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Haiti to evacuate some embassy staff and enhance security at U.S. installations. Administration officials
have thus far ruled out deploying U.S. troops for stability operations.


Author Information

Clare Ribando Seelke
Karla I. Rios
Specialist in Latin American Affairs
Analyst in Latin American Affairs





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