2026-01-25

PNH Graduates 877 Officers Kenya deployed an additional 217 police officers to Haiti on January 18, bringing total Multinational Security Support personnel to approximately 1,200. The deployment represents Kenya's ongoing commitment as lead contributor to the UN-backed mission but underscores sluggish international force generation. The UN Security Council authorized the Gang Suppression Force on September 30, 2025, with a mandate for up to 5,550 personnel, yet only 1,200 are deployed four months later. GSF Special Representative Jack Christofides announced January 22 that first new contingents beyond Kenya will not arrive until April 2026, with full deployment projected by October 2026, leaving Haiti's security forces undermanned during the critical February transition period. The 877 new PNH officers graduated January 23 represent the largest single-class addition in recent years and first tangible output of the P4000 program. However, effectiveness remains uncertain as officers completed only four months of training, a compressed timeline compared to standard police academies, and will deploy into gang-controlled zones where PNH operations killed 50 civilians and displaced 5,800 people since January 1. PNH Director General Andre Jonas Vladimir Paraison told graduates their mission is to combat armed groups, reconquer lost territories, and allow populations to return home. PNH operations continued throughout January with tactical gains but mounting civilian casualties. January 25, 2026 Between January 1-18, PNH seized 25 firearms and 14,269 cartridges and arrested three traffickers. A January 20-21 operation in Bercy killed six gang members, while a January 14 strike targeted the Delmas 6 stronghold of Viv Ansanm leader Jimmy Cherizier. PNH spokesperson Frantz Lerebours stated operations achieved a net halt in new territorial takeover by gangs and demolished Cherizier's home, reducing chances of his faction re-establishing in the area. However, security force actions killed 50 civilians and displaced 5,800 people from Port-au-Prince neighborhoods since January 1. The GSF remains severely underfunded with the UN trust fund holding only 113 million USD of 800 million needed annually, and no new donations received since August 2025. The United States contributed just 15 million to the trust fund while Canada provided 63 million. BINUH head Carlos Ruiz Massieu warned January 21 that security gains remain fragile and risk reversal without sustained pressure and basic service delivery. Gangs still control 80-90 percent of Port-au-Prince despite parts of downtown, Champ de Mars, Delmas 19, and Nazon shifting from gang-controlled to contested status.