Kenya-Led MSS Mission Officially Ends; UN-Backed Gang Suppression Force Begins Arrival

The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission formally concluded operations in Haiti around March 20, 2026, as the new UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) began its phased arrival. The GSF, authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2793 (October 2025), is expected to field up to 5,500 personnel—a fivefold increase over MSS peak deployment. Unlike its predecessor, the GSF will operate independently of the Haitian National Police and under a stronger mandate to engage gangs directly. Chad is supplying the bulk of initial replacement troops. Some Kenyan officers remained in-country as a transitional bridge. US Ambassador Mike Waltz described the GSF as having a 'strengthened mandate' to go after the gangs. A newly established UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), headed by Daniela Kroslak, will provide logistical backing.