WASHINGTON

The US on Wednesday welcomed the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution that authorizes the transition of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti into a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) for 12 months.

“The United States remains committed to working with international stakeholders to support Haiti’s path toward peace, stability, and democratic governance,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “The message from the Security Council is clear: the era of impunity for those who seek to destabilize Haiti is over.”

The resolution, co-sponsored by the US and Panama, also authorizes the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). It passed with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions from Russia, China and Pakistan.

Rubio commended Kenya and other nations that contributed to the MSS mission, which began operations in June 2024 to back Haiti’s police forces. Its mandate is due to expire Oct. 2.

Haiti has been plagued by escalating gang violence, with armed groups controlling an estimated 80% of the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince. More than 5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, according to the UN.