The United States is weighing plans to deploy a new multinational force to Haiti, composed primarily of Latin American and Caribbean troops, as cracks emerge within the Kenya-led security mission already on the ground.
According to diplomatic and defence sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed force would operate under the auspices of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and be tasked with stabilising the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation.
This move comes as frustrations grow within the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, particularly among Kenyan officers who say they are bearing the brunt of frontline operations.
Kenyan authorities confirmed on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, that they are aware of the American-led discussions.
“Yes, we are aware. That is a greater involvement of Caribbean countries, and it will serve to make the Haitian stabilisation effort a collective international effort enhancing its likely success,” said Dr. Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
The new OAS-centered strategy is emerging as an alternative to expanding the MSS mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping force — an idea facing stiff resistance from Russia and China at the UN Security Council.
If approved, the OAS coalition could feature troops from the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, and several Caribbean nations.
Talks have already been held between U.S. military officials and defense leaders in Colombia and Jamaica to lay groundwork for possible deployments.
A separate meeting between Admiral Alvin and Jamaica’s top defense leadership also signaled Washington’s determination to reinforce regional partnerships.
“Together, America and Jamaica are building a safer, stronger Caribbean — united by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to regional security,” the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica posted after the May 9 meeting.
Discontent in the Ranks
Meanwhile, tensions are simmering within the MSS mission, where Kenyan police officers — who arrived in Haiti last year as the lead force — say they are being overtasked while counterparts from allied nations remain in supporting roles.
Kenyan officers speaking to the media on condition of anonymity have lamented that, since the arrival of new troops, Kenyan personnel had been pulled from facility protection roles and reassigned to direct combat with gangs.
Concerns also persist over equipment quality and logistics.
Several Kenyan officers report frequent mechanical failures with their armored vehicles, impacting mobility and safety.
The MSS mission, which was approved by the UN Security Council in October 2023, is scheduled to end in October 2025. Its future — including whether it transitions into a formal UN peacekeeping operation — remains uncertain.
Funding, Politics, and Public Pressure
Though the U.S. remains the primary donor to Haiti and the MSS mission, recent delays in disbursing funds through the UN Trust Fund have raised eyebrows.
Other contributors to the mission include Canada, France, Spain, Italy, and Algeria.
Kenyan officials maintain that funding is secure through the mission’s October 2025 endpoint.
The internal strain and growing casualties have triggered questions over the sustainability of the MSS approach.
Kenya deployed its first contingent to Haiti in June 2024 and has since sent additional reinforcements.
Yet the discontent among its officers, paired with geopolitical maneuvering from Washington, signals that the current framework may soon face major changes.
For now, Haiti remains a nation caught between international plans and political realities — and a security crisis that continues to spiral.
