News|ConflictUN Security Council approves ‘Gang Suppression Force’ for HaitiInternational mission would surge personnel in Haiti, with mandate to ‘neutralise, isolate, and deter’ gangs.
The United Nations Security Council has approved the expansion of an international security force in Haiti, transitioning it into a "Gang Suppression Force." This decision was formalized through a resolution passed on Fri, with the mandate to collaborate…
The United Nations Security Council has approved the expansion of an international security force in Haiti, transitioning it into a "Gang Suppression Force." This decision was formalized through a resolution passed on Fri, with the mandate to collaborate with local authorities to "neutralize, isolate, and deter" gangs, secure infrastructure, and promote institutional stability.
The personnel ceiling for the mission will increase from 2,500, as initially approved in 2023, to 5,550 personnel. The resolution also calls for the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti to enhance logistical support in response to the country's overlapping security, humanitarian, and political challenges.
The resolution, introduced by Panama and the United States in August, was passed with 12 votes in favor and none against. China, Russia, and Pakistan abstained. Following the vote, Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia criticized the resolution, expressing concerns about its broad mandate against entities labeled as "gangs" and describing the plan as "ill-conceived and rushed."
Haiti has previously experienced controversial foreign interventions, including incidents of misconduct by peacekeepers and a cholera outbreak. Despite these challenges, Laurent Saint-Cyr, chairman of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, expressed support for the new force, citing insufficient staffing and funding of existing security missions.
The personnel ceiling for the mission will increase from 2,500, as initially approved in 2023, to 5,550 personnel.
Current Security and Humanitarian Situation
Currently, fewer than 1,000 police officers are deployed under the ongoing mission, set to conclude on Mon, Oct 2, 2025, despite an initial commitment of 2,500. Significant portions of Port-au-Prince remain under gang control. The UN reports indicate that 1.3 million Haitians are internally displaced due to violence, with 5.7 million experiencing food insecurity. Between January and June 2025, at least 3,100 people have been killed in violent incidents, and 2,300 grave violations against children have been recorded.
Haiti's political crisis continues following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, with general elections repeatedly postponed. Acting Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime praised the resolution's passage, highlighting its significance in bolstering Haiti's partnership with the international community.
Human Rights Watch has indicated that any renewed international mission must have reliable funding and incorporate human rights safeguards. The resolution does not specify such safeguards but emphasizes the need for compliance with Haiti's sovereignty and international law.
The new Gang Suppression Force, akin to the Kenyan-led mission, will depend largely on voluntary contributions from UN member states.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.