The United States has received pledges from several countries to provide up to 7,500 personnel to strengthen Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, exceeding initial expectations of 5,500 troops.
The announcement came as the U.S. continues efforts to bolster security in the Caribbean nation, following Kenya’s recent deployment of 230 specialised officers.
Speaking on December 19, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "We were looking for 5,500 forces. We already have pledges of up to 7,500 forces from a variety of countries." He added that financial support for the mission had also grown, noting, "We’ve seen donors step up to fund that effort. That’s a very important effort. It all ties together cohesively."
The move follows a September decision by the United Nations Security Council to double the size of the 15-month-old security mission in Haiti and rename it the Gang Suppression Force.
The mission had previously operated under the Kenya-led Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), which struggled with both funding and staffing.
Initially, the MSS relied on voluntary contributions rather than a fixed UN budget, and by late 2025, the resources raised fell short of the $600 million required annually. To address this, Kenya deployed 230 specialised police officers on December 8 to support the multinational effort, alongside personnel from other contributing nations.
Together with the Haitian National Police and the country’s military, the MSS troops reclaimed key facilities including the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the National Hospital, and the main National Police Station, which had been under gang control.
They also reopened major routes, including the strategic highway linking Haiti to the Dominican Republic, which gangs had previously blocked.
Kenya has continued to acknowledge the contributions of its officers in Haiti. During the Jamuhuri Day celebrations, the president honoured the 230 returning police officers, hailing them as national heroes for their role in restoring security in Haiti.
