Gang Suppression Force - Haiti@GSForceHaiti
MSS Marks First Anniversary in Haiti – Thursday, June 26, 2025
Today, Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission marked its first anniversary in Haiti. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including:
His Excellency Fritz Alphonse Jean, President of the Republic of Haiti
His Excellency Leslie Voltaire
His Excellency Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé
Maria Salvador, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (BINUH)
Arnaud Royer, Head of OHCHR
Andre Francois Giroux, Ambassador of Canada
Jesus Cisneros, Chargé d’Affaires of Mexico
Marco Penin, Ambassador of Spain
Patrick Pélissier, Haiti’s Minister of Justice
Normil Rameau, Director General of the Haitian National Police
Representatives from civil society organizations, international agencies, and members of the media
The commemoration took place at the Karibe Hotel and the LSA1 facility, where MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge officially welcomed the guests. In his opening remarks, Commander Otunge emphasized that the celebration was not merely to mark the passage of time, but to reflect on a year of dedicated service, resilient partnership, and tangible progress. He acknowledged the collective efforts of MSS personnel, the Haitian government, the Haitian National Police (HNP), the people of Haiti, and the international community in the pursuit of a peaceful and stable nation.
Commander Otunge praised the MSS as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the power of international cooperation. He extended sincere appreciation to countries that have supported the mission—financially and through in-kind contributions—including the United States, Canada, France, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. He urged other nations of goodwill to join in supporting Haiti during this critical phase of “Decisive Operations.”
He highlighted the Mission’s unique model, specifically tailored to address Haiti’s gang-related insecurity. While acknowledging expected challenges in such a pioneering approach—including funding, personnel, and logistics—he assured that these issues were being actively addressed as the country moves toward a referendum and national elections.
Commander Otunge announced plans to establish Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), particularly in key areas of Port-au-Prince. These bases will serve as strategic hubs for intelligence gathering, rapid threat response, and the protection of critical infrastructure. He appealed for continued partner support and reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful Haiti.
He also spoke on the MSS Complaint Reporting Mechanism, a human rights monitoring tool established by the Mission. Notably, he reported that in the past year, there had been no cases of sexual exploitation, abuse, or human rights violations by MSS personnel—underscoring the mission’s commitment to integrity and respect for the Haitian people.
In closing, Commander Otunge expressed heartfelt gratitude to Haitian authorities, the HNP, local and international partners, the media, and the people of Haiti for their unwavering support. He sent a strong warning to gang leaders and their networks, stating clearly that “business as usual” was over. The MSS, he stressed, is now smarter, more focused, and determined to restore peace and stability for all Haitians.
Remarks by the President and Special Guests
His Excellency the President commended MSS personnel for their service and sacrifice since their deployment. While recognizing the progress made, he called for continued efforts, noting that Haiti’s challenges go beyond gang violence to include drug and arms trafficking—issues that require united international action.
In her speech, Special Representative Maria Salvador reflected on the Mission’s achievements over the past year, particularly in supporting the Haitian National Police. She acknowledged the Mission’s incomplete funding and resourcing but stressed that its actions speak volumes. The presence of MSS personnel from Kenya, Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, she said, demonstrates strong international commitment and the need for sustained global support.
Madam Salvador praised the leadership and professionalism of the MSS and reaffirmed that both the UN and MSS share a common goal: strengthening Haitian institutions and promoting transparent, accountable governance rooted in human rights.
She recalled that in February 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented proposals to the Security Council to reinforce the MSS mandate—proposals she urged the international community to prioritize.
Madam Salvador welcomed the MSS’s dedication to community violence reduction and its plans for disarmament, disengagement, and reintegration (DDR). She noted that the anniversary was a moment of pride and renewed determination, emphasizing that while the road ahead is difficult, unity of purpose and sustained effort make success possible.
The Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, His Excellency Andre Giroux, expressed his appreciation to the MSS team for their dedication to restoring peace in Haiti despite the challenges the mission has faced over the past year. He highlighted the gradual return to normalcy and the successful recovery of the IGPNH facility from gang control as a powerful testament to the MSS’s unwavering commitment to a safer and more secure Haiti.
OHCHR Perspective
Arnaud Royer, representative of OHCHR, called for stronger collaboration with civil society, particularly in implementing the Complaint Reporting Mechanism and in community engagement activities. He reiterated OHCHR’s commitment to supporting both MSS and the HNP in integrating human rights into all planning and operations.
Conclusion
As the MSS marks one year of service in Haiti, it remains steadfast in its mission to help the country reclaim its path to peace, dignity, and prosperity.
