The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission marked its first anniversary in Haiti on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge mentioned the celebration was not merely to mark the passage of time however to mirror on a 12 months of devoted service, resilient partnership, and tangible progress.
He acknowledged the collective efforts of MSS personnel, the Haitian authorities, the Haitian National Police (HNP), the folks of Haiti, and the worldwide neighborhood within the pursuit of a peaceable and steady nation.
Commander Otunge introduced plans to determine Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), notably in key areas of Port-au-Prince.
These bases will function strategic hubs for intelligence gathering, speedy risk response, and the safety of crucial infrastructure.
He despatched a powerful warning to gang leaders and their networks, stating clearly that “enterprise as traditional” was over.
Commander careworn that MSS is now smarter, extra centered, and decided to revive peace and stability for all Haitians.
He appealed for continued accomplice help and reaffirmed his dedication to a peaceable Haiti.
Commander Otunge praised the MSS as a beacon of hope and a logo of the ability of worldwide cooperation.
He prolonged honest appreciation to international locations which have supported the mission—financially and thru in-kind contributions—together with the United States, Canada, France, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Otunge urged different nations of goodwill to hitch in supporting Haiti throughout this crucial section of “Decisive Operations.”
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Haiti Mission Unique Model
He highlighted the Mission’s distinctive mannequin, particularly tailor-made to handle Haiti’s gang-related insecurity.
Otunge acknowledged anticipated challenges, together with funding, personnel, and logistics.
However, he assured MSS that the problems had been being actively addressed because the nation strikes towards a referendum and nationwide elections.
Complaint Reporting Mechanism
He additionally spoke on the MSS Complaint Reporting Mechanism, a human rights monitoring software established by the Mission.
The Commander reported that previously 12 months, there had been no instances of sexual exploitation, abuse, or human rights violations by MSS personneL.
Otunge expressed heartfelt gratitude to Haitian authorities, the HNP, native and worldwide companions, the media, and the folks of Haiti for his or her unwavering help.
Remarks by the President and Special Guests
President of the Republic of Haiti Fritz Alphonse Jean, recommended MSS personnel for his or her service and sacrifice since their deployment.
He referred to as for continued efforts, noting that Haiti’s challenges transcend gang violence to incorporate drug and arms trafficking—points that require united worldwide motion.
Special Representative Maria Salvador mirrored on the Mission’s achievements over the previous 12 months, notably in supporting the Haitian National Police.
She acknowledged the Mission’s incomplete funding and resourcing however careworn that its actions converse volumes.
“The presence of MSS personnel from Kenya, Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and the Bahamas demonstrates robust worldwide dedication and the necessity for sustained international help” she mentioned.
Madam Salvador praised the management and professionalism of the MSS and reaffirmed that each the UN and MSS share a standard aim.
Madam Salvador welcomed the MSS’s dedication to neighborhood violence discount and its plans for disarmament, disengagement, and reintegration (DDR).
She famous that the anniversary was a second of pleasure and renewed dedication, emphasising that whereas the street forward is tough, unity of function and sustained effort make success doable.
Canada Ambassador
The Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, His Excellency Andre Giroux, expressed his appreciation to the MSS staff for his or her dedication to restoring peace in Haiti regardless of the challenges the mission has confronted over the previous 12 months.
He highlighted the gradual return to normalcy and the profitable restoration of the IGPNH facility from gang management as a strong testomony to the MSS’s unwavering dedication to a safer and safer Haiti.
OHCHR Perspective
Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Arnaud Royer, referred to as for stronger collaboration with civil society, notably in implementing the Complaint Reporting Mechanism and in neighborhood engagement actions.
He reiterated OHCHR’s dedication to supporting each MSS and the HNP in integrating human rights into all planning and operations.
