From MSS to GSF: comparison of the Multinational Security Support mission and the Gang Suppression Force

GANG SUPPRESSION FORCE FORCE DE RÉPRESSION DES GANGS SECURITY • STABILITY • SOVEREIGNTY SÉCURITÉ • STABILITÉ • SOUVERAINETÉ MSS - GSF Comparison Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mandate Operations Haitian Partner forces End State Scale UNSCR 2699 (2023): Authorizes support to the Haitian National Police (HNP) to restore security in Haiti and create conditions conducive to holding elections. UNSCR 2793 (2025): Authorizes operations to neutralize, isolate, and deter gangs. The mandate includes powers of arrest. Mission focused on backing up HNP operations. Conducted mounted patrols. Intelligence-led operations— independently or jointly with the HNP and Armed Forces of Haiti. The GSF conducts day and night, mounted and dismounted patrols and will have a maritime unit and armed helicopters. HNP HNP and Armed Forces of Haiti Credible and effective Haitian authorities with the capacity to maintain security conditions necessary for free and fair elections. By 30 September 2028, the GSF has degraded armed, organized gang ability that threatens the Haitian State and established the minimum-security conditions necessary for sustained international stabilization efforts and the gradual rebuilding of Haitian security institutions with international support. 2,500 security forces [ceiling] but the MSS deployed around 1,000 personnel – most notably Kenyan police. 5,500 authorised international military and police personnel (approximately 4/5 military, 1/5 police) and 50 civilian staff. Over 1,000 deployed to date. The Kenyan Police Commander made operational and tactical decisions and coordinated with Haitian authorities. The Special Representative (SR) provides strategic oversight, political decision-making, and guidance for the GSF, coordinates GSF policies and procedures for approval by the U.S.-chaired Standing Group of Partners (SGP), represents the GSF in high-level engagements and liaises with key national and international stakeholders. The Force Commander oversees the operational and tactical execution of the GSF force and exercises operational command and control over all GSF military and police personnel. Logistics and financial support almost entirely provided by the United States Government. Troop and Police contributing countries did not deploy with equipment, relying [mostly] on the United States government. Donors have contributed over USD 200m to a UN trust fund for the reimbursement of troops while UN member states now contribute through assessed contributions – creating international burden-sharing. UNSCR 2793 established a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to carry out GSF logistics and sustainment functions previously filled by the U.S. Department of War. Troop- and Police-contributing countries deploy with their equipment. Mandate requested the MSS to develop a strategy for mission conclusion and withdrawal. The Special Representative submitted to the UN Security Council a strategy and metrics for measuring success of the mission and concrete timebound objectives, with benchmarks towards an end-state. Leadership Sustainment Benchmarks and metrics Gang Suppression Force (GSF)