The United Nations Security Council has approved a six-month extension for the international security force in Haiti to combat powerful armed groups that have seized control of much of the country. The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) mandate renewal received unanimous support from twelve nations, with China, Russia, and Pakistan abstaining due to concerns about funding, personnel, and effectiveness.
This extension aims to enhance security measures in preparation for Haiti’s upcoming first election in ten years scheduled for December. Despite previous international efforts, armed groups still dominate large portions of the Caribbean nation, and the GSF faces challenges in deploying sufficient troops to fulfill its mandate. Haiti initially requested international security assistance in 2022 and urged nations to renew the force’s mandate, which currently operates at less than 30% of its intended capacity.
U.S. ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, confirmed that approximately 1,500 GSF troops are currently stationed in Haiti, with an additional 4,000 expected to arrive in the coming months. Waltz acknowledged past mission failures in Haiti and emphasized the need for a new approach to address the ongoing security crisis.
The Security Council’s decision to extend the GSF mandate coincided with recent violent incidents in Haiti, including an attack in the breadbasket region where gang members burned homes and killed at least 11 individuals. This retaliation followed a GSF operation that resulted in the death of three gang members. Another tragic event occurred a month ago in Kenscoff, where 47 people were killed and around 50 others were abducted.
The GSF was established a year ago after a previous mission led by Kenya faced challenges in achieving its objectives due to voluntary contributions. The mandate extension now runs until March 31, 2027, aligning with Haiti’s election timeline. The country has experienced election delays under successive transitional governments due to escalating insecurity, leading to the displacement of nearly 1.5 million individuals.