The United States has signaled a potential shift in its funding commitment to the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti, citing an unsustainable financial burden and limited international support.
Speaking during a United Nations Security Council session on Monday, April 21, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea stated that while the U.S. remains committed to restoring peace in Haiti, it can no longer carry the weight of the mission alone.
“America cannot continue to shoulder such a significant financial burden,” Shea told the Council. “We urge all international stakeholders and donors to contribute their fair share.”
Shea emphasized the need for increased global support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which was launched to quell the escalating gang violence ravaging the Caribbean nation.
Despite concerns over funding, the ambassador reassured that the U.S. remains invested in the mission’s success, praising the contributions of nations that have already stepped in with financial or material support.
Call for Sanctions on Gang Collaborators
The U.S. also used the platform to deliver a stern warning to those fueling Haiti’s unrest, particularly individuals or networks supplying weapons and ammunition to armed gangs.
Shea proposed that the UN consider asset freezes and travel bans targeting gang leaders and their international facilitators.
“Promoting accountability and supporting anti-corruption efforts is critical to ending the violence and restoring law and order,” she added.
Kenya Reaffirms Commitment Despite Underdeployment
Addressing the same session, Kenya’s National Security Adviser Dr. Monicah Juma highlighted the progress of the MSS mission despite resource constraints and a smaller-than-planned deployment.
Juma disclosed that only 1,000 personnel—less than 40 percent of the anticipated 2,500—have been deployed so far, limiting operational capacity.
“Nonetheless, the Haitian National Police, supported by mission forces, has launched aggressive anti-gang campaigns that are beginning to reclaim control,” she said.
Juma reiterated Kenya’s long-term commitment to helping Haiti rebuild its internal security infrastructure and urged the international community to accelerate support.
The latest developments come amid growing calls for deeper global involvement as Haiti’s crisis spirals, threatening regional stability and humanitarian safety.