Haiti urges Gang Suppression Force deployment as killings surge
Haiti has requested the expedited deployment of a United Nations Security Council-sanctioned Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to assist local authorities in combating armed gangs and restoring public safety.
Pierre Ericq Pierre, Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the UN, made this call during an emergency Security Council meeting dedicated to discussing the ongoing crisis in the Caribbean nation.
Pierre condemned a recent massacre and hostage-taking in the suburb of Kenscoff, labeling these incidents as indicative of armed gangs’ “new capacity for violence and terror.” He emphasized that Haiti’s security forces are fully mobilized and remain on high alert to protect civilians, reclaim territories controlled by gangs, and restore governmental authority.
During his address, Pierre urged the international community to facilitate the deployment of the multinational anti-gang force to its target strength of 5,500 personnel. He acknowledged the commitments from Chad, Mongolia, and Côte d’Ivoire to join the mission, and confirmed ongoing discussions with Jamaica, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh regarding their potential involvement.
In addition, Pierre sought support for the training of new military personnel in Haiti and called for increased enforcement of the Security Council’s arms embargo to restrict the flow of weapons and ammunition into the country.
This week, gang violence in Kenscoff has resulted in the deaths of at least 47 individuals, left 22 injured, and led to the abduction of more than 52 people.
According to a recent report from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, between April 1 and June 30, there were 1,408 fatalities and 656 injuries due to gang-related attacks, with 326 reported cases of sexual violence during the same period.
