One Year On, Haiti's Path to Stability Remains Uncertain Amid International Force’s Funding Crisis

Time is running short for the international police contingent deployed to restore order in Haiti, as funding diminishes and violence continues unabated.

The Multinational Security Support mission (M.S.S.), largely composed of Kenyan police personnel, arrived in Haiti a year ago with the goal of dismantling the pervasive gang networks destabilizing the country.

With its United Nations mandate set to expire in October and financial backing ending in September, the future of this force remains uncertain amid a lack of clear commitment from international stakeholders.

The looming deadlines are critical for Haiti, where gangs maintain control over most of Port-au-Prince and have extended their influence to outlying regions, forcing 1.3 million people from their homes. Last year alone, violence claimed over 5,600 lives.

Analysts suggest that expanding both the size and resources of the international mission is essential for Haiti’s stabilization, warning that the slow progress against violence reflects the global community’s insufficient engagement.

The hesitant stance of the current U.S. administration highlights how Haiti has become a lower priority amid multiple global crises, complicating efforts to secure sustained support for peacekeeping efforts.