Kenya on Thursday welcomed a UN Security Council’s decision to transfer leadership of a Haiti security mission from the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) force to a Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

The move establishes the GSF with up to 5,500 uniformed personnel, made up of police officers and soldiers, for a 12-month deployment to stabilise Haiti, where gang violence has paralysed life and weakened state institutions.

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the change underscores Nairobi’s global role in crisis response.

“The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2793 (2025) last night by the UN Security Council is a welcome development in the pursuit of a more peaceful and secure Haiti,” Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said. “It also reflects the impact of Kenya’s leadership in mobilising international attention, forging consensus, and catalysing collective action when others hesitated.”

Central role

Kenya assumed a central role in the Haiti mission last year after spearheading diplomatic efforts to rally support for intervention amid worsening insecurity in the Caribbean nation.

Kenya deployed about 1,000 police officers to Haiti under the MSS, with units helping reclaim key routes into Port-au-Prince and secure vital infrastructure, including the airport and government buildings.

Several officers were injured during fighting with armed groups, and at least two died in the line of duty.