Benin’s Participation in Haiti Security Mission Remains in Limbo
Benin’s involvement in the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti remains uncertain despite its initial pledge to contribute 2,000 troops. The mission, designed to assist the Haitian National Police in addressing escalating gang violence, has faced significant delays and logistical challenges since its approval by the UN Security Council on October 2, 2023.
Benin’s hesitancy stems from concerns about the mission’s command structure, which prioritizes police leadership. Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari emphasized Benin’s readiness to deploy troops but insisted on a military-led approach to effectively combat gangs and restore stability in Haiti. “You cannot ask the military to be led by policemen,” Bakari stated, calling for a structure more suited to dismantling gang control.
With Benin’s francophone troops potentially bridging language gaps and providing substantial manpower, their participation is crucial. However, the impasse over leadership highlights broader challenges in ensuring the mission’s operational effectiveness and achieving its goals in Haiti.
