On June 25, 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto issued a warning to the UN Security Council. He expressed concern about the massive failure of the international community to meet its commitments, which could lead Kenya to "reconsider its engagement" with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in Haiti.

In a letter to Council President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ruto highlighted the serious shortcomings in the support provided to the mission. He denounced the fact that less than 40% of the planned 2,500 troops have been deployed due to lack of financial resources, and that only 11% of the funding required for the first year has been received.

Furthermore, he warned that key contracts for the mission's logistics operations are about to expire and that, without clear direction from the Security Council, Kenya will not be able to continue leading the operation.

"We will be forced to review our commitment," wrote Ruto, who requested an urgent decision before the Mission's current mandate expires (October 2nd, 2025).

Following a letter sent by President Luis Abinader, co-signed by three former Dominican presidents : Danilo Medina, Leonel Fernández, and Hipólito Mejía, the Security Council, at the request of the A3++ group (Sierra Leone, Somalia, Algeria, and Guyana), agreed to meet in consultations on Monday, June 30, 2025, to address the situation in Haiti. This represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough for the Dominican Republic.

The letter was sent through diplomatic missions to the UN, including Russia and China, which have traditionally been skeptical of the resumption of the Multinational Mission in Haiti. The letter expresses the Dominican Republic's "firm support" for Secretary-General António Guterres' proposal to transform the current MSS into a hybrid mission, with shared logistical and operational leadership, to address growing insecurity in the neighboring country.

At the same time, Haiti celebrated the arrival in Haiti on June 25, 2024, of the first Kenyan contingent at the Karibe Hotel and LSA1 site. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42618-haiti-flash-kenyans-already-secretly-in-haiti-first-contingent-expected-on-june-25-2024.html

In his opening remarks, Kenyan Forces Commander Godfrey Otunge emphasized that this celebration was also a moment of reflection on a year of sustained commitment, resilient partnership, and tangible progress. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in this innovative approach, such as funding, personnel, and logistics, but affirmed that these are being actively addressed as Haiti prepares for a referendum and general elections.

Commander Otunge announced the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic areas, primarily in Port-au-Prince. These bases will serve as centers for intelligence gathering, rapid response to threats, and the protection of critical infrastructure. He called on partners to support these initiatives, reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful Haiti.

In her remarks, Special Representative Maria Salvador reviewed the mission's achievements over the past year. She acknowledged that the mission is not yet fully funded or equipped, but emphasized the importance of recognizing its concrete actions. She mentioned that in February 2025, Secretary-General António Guterres presented proposals to the Security Council to strengthen the mission, proposals that deserve priority attention given the importance of its mandate.

While the Mission's results are unclear to many, Mission spokesperson Jacques Umbaka acknowledged that there is a shortage of human and material resources. He maintained that the mission would have already been completed if the necessary resources had been made available. Regarding the limited information disseminated on the progress of operations, Umbaka emphasized that this was a strategic communication. Given the critical operations currently underway, "the mission is careful not to disclose sensitive information."

SL/ S/ HaitiLibre