The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has received reinforcement following the arrival of Salvadoran troops on February 4, 2025. The contingent landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, joining forces already deployed from Kenya, Jamaica, Guatemala, the Bahamas, and Belize.
Haitian President Leslie Voltaire, accompanied by Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) officials, Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) Director General Normil Rameau, and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, welcomed the Salvadoran forces. MSS confirmed the deployment, stating, “Personnel from El Salvador have officially joined the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, further strengthening the initiative.”
Following their arrival, President Voltaire emphasized the importance of the deployment, acknowledging El Salvador’s experience in tackling gang-related violence. He assured full government support for the MSS mission and underscored the need for close collaboration between MSS forces and the PNH to restore stability in Haiti.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge hailed the Salvadoran troops’ arrival as a significant boost to the mission’s objectives. He commended Haiti’s leadership and all participating nations for their commitment to the security effort. Additionally, Otunge acknowledged Canada’s role in facilitating the deployment and expressed gratitude to other supporting nations, including France.
The latest reinforcement comes at a critical moment for the mission, which faces both operational gains and financial uncertainty. The Salvadoran forces are expected to enhance air support capabilities, particularly in casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). Further strengthening the mission, helicopters are set to arrive by the end of the week, improving evacuation capacity.
U.S. Ends Funding for Haiti Mission
Despite the boost from El Salvador, the MSS mission is dealing with financial challenges following the United States’ decision to halt funding. On February 4, 2025, the U.S. government informed the United Nations of its decision to discontinue contributions to the Ksh1.9 billion trust fund that has been crucial for the operation.
This funding cut follows a broader policy shift under U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently implemented a freeze on foreign aid. The move has led to widespread layoffs in U.S. aid programs and affected international missions, including the MSS in Haiti.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed concerns over the financial setback, warning that it could negatively impact the mission’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, the MSS continues to navigate these challenges, with Kenya having recently handed over control of its third Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Haiti to Guatemalan forces on January 22, 2025.
