Quick Read
- Port-au-Prince faces near-total collapse as gangs control 90% of the city.
- The Kenya-led MSS mission has made progress but faces severe resource shortages.
- UN officials warn that without urgent funding, Haiti risks state collapse.
- Plans to establish 12 Forward Operating Bases are stalled, with only 3 operational.
- The humanitarian crisis deepens as international community debates next steps.
The situation in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has reached a tipping point as escalating gang violence and political instability push the nation closer to the brink of collapse. As of July 2025, the United Nations and the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission are grappling with severe challenges, including inadequate funding, operational inefficiencies, and a growing humanitarian crisis. These challenges come at a critical juncture, with just days remaining before the UN Integrated Office in Haiti’s mandate is set to expire.
Escalating Violence and the Collapse of State Authority
Port-au-Prince, once a bustling Caribbean capital, has fallen into chaos as organized criminal gangs have taken control of approximately 90% of the city. According to Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas at the UN, the erosion of state authority has been stark. Key government institutions, hospitals, and even critical infrastructure like the Toussaint Louverture International Airport have been paralyzed by gang activities. Jenča noted that the city’s isolation due to the suspension of international flights further exacerbates the situation, leaving residents and aid workers stranded.
Gangs have expanded their influence beyond the metropolitan area, creating a humanitarian crisis that threatens the lives of millions. Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted the dire situation, stating, “Without additional security support from the international community, the outlook is bleak.”
Kenya’s Leadership and MSS Mission Achievements
Despite the challenges, the Kenya-led MSS mission has made notable strides in restoring some semblance of stability. Ambassador Yabesh Monari, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized that the MSS has reclaimed critical facilities, including hospitals, the presidential palace, the international airport, and the seaport. Celebrating the mission’s first anniversary on June 27, 2025, MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge reaffirmed the peacekeepers’ commitment to restoring order. He announced plans to establish Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) within key areas of Port-au-Prince, a strategy aimed at maintaining long-term security and stability.
Commander Otunge described the peacekeepers as a “beacon of hope” and a testament to the power of international cooperation. However, he also acknowledged the limitations of the mission, particularly the shortage of personnel and resources. Currently, only 991 officers, including 735 from Kenya, are deployed—far below the intended 2,500. The lack of sufficient air support, communication systems, and operational equipment has significantly hampered the mission’s effectiveness.
Funding Shortfalls and International Response
In a letter to the UN Security Council earlier this year, Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the mission’s reliance on donor funding for essential equipment. Many of the MSS’s armored vehicles are ill-suited for Port-au-Prince’s urban terrain, and a lack of spare parts has rendered half of their combat vehicles non-operational. The mission also faces challenges in establishing the planned 12 Forward Operating Bases; only three have been set up to date.
As the mandate expiration looms, the UN has issued urgent appeals for funding and logistical support. Guterres has proposed establishing a dedicated UN support office to provide operational and logistical assistance to the MSS. However, with major donors, including the United States, expressing reluctance to bear the financial burden, the mission’s future remains uncertain.
The Humanitarian Toll and Path Forward
For the residents of Port-au-Prince, the ongoing crisis has taken a devastating toll. Thousands have been displaced, and access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water remains severely limited. The rapid proliferation of private security companies and vigilante groups adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Kenya, leading the MSS mission, faces mounting pressure to maintain its commitment. Ambassador Monari has called for actionable guidance from the international community, stressing the need for a clear path forward. “We are operating at less than 30% capacity,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As Haiti stands at a crossroads, the coming days will be critical in determining whether international efforts can stabilize Port-au-Prince and restore hope to a nation on the brink.