UN Authorizes Expanded Security Force for Haiti Amidst Escalating Gang Violence
UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday authorized a multinational security force for Haiti, escalating efforts to combat escalating gang violence that has plunged the nation into crisis. The resolution, adopted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, paves the way for a “Gang Suppression Force” to operate in cooperation with the haitian government for an initial period of 12 months.
The move comes as the current multinational force, led by Kenya, struggles with insufficient funding and personnel. While the first Kenyan officers arrived in June 2024, the force currently numbers below 1,000, far short of its intended 2,500 troops. The resolution acknowledges Secretary-General Antonio guterres’ Febuary assessment that the existing force is unable to keep pace with the expansion of gangs and requires scaling up.
The newly authorized force will consist of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilians, funded through voluntary contributions. It is indeed empowered to conduct “intelligence-led targeted, counter-gang operations to neutralize, isolate, and deter gangs” threatening civilians, abusing human rights, and undermining Haitian institutions. The force will also secure critical infrastructure, including airports, ports, schools, and hospitals, alongside Haitian police and armed forces, and work to combat arms trafficking.
Russia abstained from the vote, with Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressing skepticism that the new mission would succeed, stating the Security Council ”is once again being thrust into a risky and poorly thought out venture.” He noted previous U.N. resolutions have “failed to produce any lasting results.”
Laurent Saint-Cyr, leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, welcomed the vote as “a decisive turning point in the fight against armed criminal groups.”
The resolution’s mandate expires on Thursday, prompting the need for immediate action. The U.S. envoy urged countries to contribute personnel and funding, and the resolution requests Secretary-General Guterres to establish a U.N. office to provide logistical and operational support to the new force.