In a significant development for Haitian security, Organization of American States Secretary General Albert Ramdin confirmed on December 12, 2025 that eighteen nations have committed personnel to the newly established Gang Suppression Force (GSF). This multinational security initiative, authorized by the UN Security Council, will replace the previous Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) with a comprehensive strategy to address Haiti’s escalating gang violence.
The international coalition will deploy approximately 5,500 personnel, primarily consisting of police and military units, following a roadmap developed under United States guidance. African nations are contributing the majority of forces, with additional support from Asian countries including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, alongside several unnamed Latin American partners.
Ramdin emphasized the operational challenges of integrating diverse international forces: ‘Eighteen countries have committed to providing forces. The key is that they all work together according to the same rules and regulations. That’s why the establishment of this new force is taking so long due to necessary training requirements.’
The deployment will occur in phased increments rather than waiting for full force readiness. An initial contingent of 1,000 personnel is anticipated to deploy as early as January 2026, with approximately half of the total force expected to be operational by April 1st. This timeline coincides with the activation of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (BANUH).
The GSF’s strategic objectives include rapid intervention to mitigate gang impact, direct engagement with armed groups, and targeted operations to capture or neutralize gang leadership. The force represents the international community’s robust response to Haiti’s security crisis, building on existing efforts including Kenya’s recent deployment of a fifth police contingent to maintain pressure on criminal organizations.