The mandate of an international security force in Haiti, aimed at combating powerful armed groups controlling parts of the country, has been extended by the United Nations Security Council for six months. The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) extension received approval from twelve nations, with no opposing votes. However, China, Russia, and Pakistan abstained, expressing concerns about insufficient funds, personnel, and effectiveness.
The extension is crucial as Haiti prepares for its first election in ten years scheduled for December. Despite multiple international deployments, armed groups still hold significant territory in Haiti, posing challenges for the security force in fulfilling 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% capacity.
According to U.S. ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, around 1,500 GSF troops are currently deployed in Haiti, with an additional 4,000 expected to join in the coming months. Waltz highlighted the historical challenges faced by previous missions in Haiti and emphasized the need for a new approach.
The decision to extend the mandate followed a recent incident in Haiti’s breadbasket region where gang members burned homes and killed at least 11 people in retaliation for a GSF operation that resulted in the death of three gang members at illegal toll booths. Another violent event in Kenscoff a month ago left at least 47 people dead and approximately 50 others kidnapped.
The GSF, established a year ago after the previous mission led by Kenya faced difficulties in achieving its objectives, faced similar challenges with voluntary contributions and subsequently withdrew its troops earlier this year. The renewed mandate now extends until March 31, 2027, aligning with Haiti’s upcoming elections on December 13, with final results expected by March 7. The prolonged insecurity in Haiti has forced nearly 1.5 million individuals to flee their homes.
