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UNSC Evaluates Haiti’s Election Path Amid Gang Violence (VIDEOS)

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Awash in gang violence, scarred by past foreign interventions and long paralysed politically, Haiti now stands at a crossroads between a return to order and tipping into total chaos, the Security Council heard today, as a range of senior United Nations officials provided their latest updates.

« [Haiti’s] transition stands at a critical moment, » said Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), as he briefed the 15-member Council.

The international community’s engagement in Haiti is longstanding. From 2004 to 2017, the UN deployed its Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) , which was succeeded by an Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) .

However, the country continued to be plagued by violence. In October 2023, the Council authorized the deployment of a Multinational Security Support – largely populated by Kenyan troops – which officially transitioned to a Gang Suppression Force through the adoption of Council resolution 2793 (2025) last September.

In his briefing today, Mr. Ruiz Massieu recounted the latest developments and presented the most recent report of the Secretary-General (document S/2026/574 ) on the situation in Haiti – which he said continues to face persistent insecurity, acute humanitarian needs and institutional challenges, « with devastating consequences for its population ».

Citing recent political progress, he said the transitional authorities adopted a revised electoral decree and reached consensus on an electoral budget earlier – two achievements that can serve as a basis for renewed momentum. « The next priority is clear – the adoption of a credible and realistic electoral calendar. »

However, gang violence remains the country’s most severe threat, « exacting a heavy toll on a beleaguered population ». Millions of Haitians remain displaced or food insecure, while women and children bear the brunt of the violence. Warning that security challenges must not become a reason to delay the political process, he said the full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force remains critical.

« The Haitian people have been waiting for far too long, » he said. « They deserve for the progress that’s been accomplished to be transformed into concrete improvements to their daily lives, as well as into new prospects for the future. »

Deployment of Gang Suppression Force

Jack Christofides, Special Representative for the new Gang Suppression Force, said it has begun early operations after establishing its headquarters, command arrangements, intelligence structures and rules of engagement.

« Implementation is progressing steadily, » he said. The Force opened its first forward operating base, established continuous patrols and began operations against gang infrastructure in selected areas of Port-au-Prince, he said, citing a 21 June operation in Tabarre, where the force detained several suspects, destroyed hundreds of Molotov cocktails and removed gang barricades.

In addition, he said, the Force recently seized weapons and ammunition and dismantled a cache of improvised incendiary devices, despite coming under fire. Such operations demonstrate growing tactical capacity and commitment, he said, adding: « Every push forward contributes to the conditions that make the next operation possible and more effective. »

Cautioning that Haiti’s security challenges will not be solved « overnight », he said the Force now has a clear mandate, operational model and measurable benchmarks, as well as the opportunity to sustain its current momentum.

Governance Crisis Driven by Organized Crime

« Haiti’s crisis should not be understood as a security crisis alone, » said Monica Juma, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), who also briefed. « It is increasingly a governance crisis, driven by organized crime. »

She said armed gangs are increasingly seeking control not only of territory but also of governance systems, transport routes and economic lifelines. Recounting her recent visit to the country, she described the severe impact of organized crime on civilians, including displacement, closed schools and businesses, disrupted public services and growing insecurity.

Meanwhile, she said, the crisis has regional dimensions, involving illicit firearms, cocaine trafficking, migrant smuggling and maritime criminal networks.

Against that backdrop, she emphasized that effective security operations must be accompanied by functioning courts, prisons, police institutions and financial investigations. « Without this, security gains will be but temporary, » she said. « The Haitian people have not given up […] We must not give up either. »

One of Worst Child Protection Crises

Also addressing the Council was Vanessa Frazier, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, who described Haiti as one of the most severe child protection crises in the world.

She warned that children are « not only collateral victims of the crisis – they are being targeted, exploited and instrumentalized by armed actors ». The UN verified 2,088 grave violations against children in 2025 – including recruitment by gangs, killings, maiming and abductions – she warned that children may account for more than half of Haiti’s gang members.

Emphasizing that children associated with gangs « must be treated first and foremost as victims » in line with international child protection standards, she voiced particular concern over conditions at the detention centre known as CERMICOL, located in Port-au-Prince, where some children had reportedly spent years in detention without appearing before a judge.

Meanwhile, she said, as the newly created Force begins its work, security and child protection cannot be decoupled. Separating children from gangs without adequate reception, rehabilitation and reintegration services could result in re-recruitment, marginalization or prolonged detention, she warned.

Multidimensional Crisis Require Measures Beyond Security Response

Council members and several regional countries also took the floor to share their views.

« The developments highlighted [today] offer encouraging prospects, but they must not obscure the fact that the security situation remains a cause of serious concern, » said Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Council President for July, who also spoke on behalf of Liberia and Somalia.

She said Haitian stakeholders must now sustain this momentum through inclusive dialogue and national ownership over the entire transition process. She also joined several other speakers – including the representatives of Panama, Greece and Colombia – in welcoming the Gang Suppression Force’s deployment while warning that lasting stability cannot be achieved through security measures alone.

France’s representative emphasized that restoring security remains Haiti’s « absolute priority » and is also essential for advancing the political transition and holding elections. Calling for the Gang Suppression Force’s accelerated deployment, he noted that France contributes political, financial and technical support to the UN Support Office, as well as bilateral support.

« Haiti continues to suffer a multifaceted crisis of extraordinary magnitude, » said Denmark’s delegate. Agreeing that addressing security concerns is paramount, she nevertheless stressed that all national and international efforts must be undertaken in strict compliance with international law. « The [Force] must operate with the highest standards of conduct and discipline, with robust oversight and transparency, » she stressed.

Next Big Step: Elections

The representatives of Bahrain, China, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Pakistan were among those speakers who emphasized the need to accelerate Haiti’s political transition and organize credible, inclusive and secure elections.

Echoing that point, Latvia’s delegate – joined by many others throughout the meeting – called for « a clear and realistic electoral calendar » leading to a free, fair and Haitian-led vote.

Jamaica’s representative, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), echoed many of those points.

The representative of the United States strongly endorsed the Gang Suppression Force, describing Haiti’s gangs as a threat to civilians, regional security and international stability. Praising the new Force’s personnel, he called for more international assistance – particularly the contribution of aircraft to accelerate the deployment of troops and equipment – and added that long-term stability will depend on strengthening Haiti’s own police and armed forces.

Only 1,000 of 5,550 Needed Anti-Gang Troops Deployed

Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, agreed that the Force’s greatest challenge remains the gap between its authorized strength of 5,550 personnel and the mere 1,000 troops currently deployed. « An obstacle of a purely logistical nature should not stand between the international community and the protection of an entire people, » he stressed, warning: « Time is not on Haiti’s side. »

Several speakers raised additional concerns, even as they expressed support for the newly deployed Force.

« Solving the gang problem [in Haiti] solely by force, without addressing its sources of financing and weapons supply, is akin to bailing water out of a sinking ship while ignoring the hole in its hull, » said the Russian Federation’s delegate, noting that Haiti’s arms embargo is not being strictly enforced.

She said the United States – the main source of illicit weapons shipments to Haiti – continues to ignore embargo violations, adding: « Haiti must determine its own future independent of nefarious external interference, which is what caused so many of the country’s problems. »

Raïna Forbin, Haiti’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs, told the Council that her country is making tangible, although fragile, progress towards restoring security, constitutional order and democratic governance. « We are closer than we’ve been in years to restoring security and holding elections that are free, credible, inclusive and participatory, » she said.

Outlining additional strides achieved by the police and other national authorities, she highlighted the reactivation of the National Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration Commission and the establishment of specialized courts to address mass crimes and sexual violence. « Now is not the time to back down, » she stressed, calling for sustained international support to help Haitians to « turn a page on violence and instability ».

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