Abinader expects UN to extend Haiti support mission until year-end

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader expressed confidence on Monday that the United Nations will extend the Multinational Mission for Security Support (MSS) in Haiti until the end of the year and endorsed the U.S. proposal to expand the force to 5,500 troops to directly confront armed gangs. The current mandate of the Kenyan-led mission, set to expire October 2, is also backed by Panama.

Abinader noted that the 700 Kenyan troops currently deployed are insufficient, as the mission was initially expected to field 2,500 soldiers. He criticized their limited role, focused mainly on guarding facilities instead of directly engaging gangs. At the same time, he assured that the Dominican Armed Forces continue to secure the border and reiterated that Haitian gangs will not be allowed to penetrate Dominican territory.

Last week, Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, called for international action at the UN General Assembly, warning that the country is trapped in a war between gangs and its people, with half the population suffering from food insecurity.