KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to back a resolution authorising the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
“This, together with a new UN Mission Office, represents a significant step in strengthening the international response to the crisis in Haiti,” said the Jamaican prime minister in a statement posted on the social media platform X.
On Tuesday, the UN Security Council backed the Resolution tabled by the United States and Panama. By a vote of 12 in favour, with none against, and three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and the Russian Federation), the Council adopted the text as Resolution 2793.
Through the Resolution, the Council authorised member states to transition the MSS mission to the GSF for an initial period of 12 months, and among other terms, the Security Council has decided that the GSF shall have an authorised personnel ceiling of 5,550, consisting of 5,500 uniformed personnel, comprised of both military and police, and 50 civilians.
US Ambassador Michael Waltz said the Resolution, undertaken in close collaboration with the Haitian authorities, offered new hope for the French-speaking CARICOM country, where criminal gangs have been seeking to overthrow the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.
In his message, Holness stated that Jamaica has been advocating for this advancement to more structured support and looks forward to this new chapter of partnership through the United Nations, working in collaboration with CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the wider international community.
He said the decision reaffirms that the international community has heard the cries of and on behalf of the Haitian people and underscores the value of persistent advocacy.
“We remain committed to standing with the people of Haiti and to working with our partners to help restore security, stability, and hope for the Haitian nation,” Holness said.
Earlier, in a statement, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors in a statement read by the Barbados Permanent Representative to the United Nations, François Jackman, noted that “CARICOM applauds the resounding support of world leaders for the urgent and united action towards the restoration of peace and stability in Haiti, echoed throughout the recently concluded General Debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly”.
But the diplomats acknowledged that “these critical objectives can only be achieved if security is restored in Haiti,” adding that they “wholeheartedly welcome the Security Council’s adoption …of this Resolution as a fundamental step that responds to the urgency of the security situation in Haiti.
“CARICOM in particular welcomes the timely transition of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) with a UN-authorized mandate to bring an immediate end to violence and to restore public safety in Haiti.
”Furthermore, CARICOM endorses the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide the necessary logistical and administrative support for this robust Force. Finally, we emphasize the importance of ensuring sustainable and predictable resourcing of the Gang Suppression Force by all international partners. And we also renew our call for the urgent capitalisation of the 2025 humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti.”
The regional diplomats said that only through urgent, collective action in the security domain, in support of Haiti, can the scourge of gang violence be arrested.
“This is a critical first step towards creating favourable conditions for elections, sustained delivery of humanitarian support and relief, the rebuilding of institutions, and the laying of the foundation for the long-term economic development of Haiti.
” CARICOM reaffirms its solidarity with Haiti as well as our openness and willingness to work with all members of the Security Council to provide the necessary support for the Haitian people. We look to the broader international community to step up its support boldly and with resolve to end the violence and suffering that the people of Haiti have endured for too long. ”
and then 