The United Nations Security Council has approved the deployment of a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, responding to spiraling violence and the collapse of public order in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The resolution — co-sponsored by Panama and the United States and backed by dozens of nations — passed with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions from China, Pakistan, and Russia.
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Under a 12-month mandate, the 5,550-strong GSF will coordinate closely with the Haitian National Police (HNP) and armed forces to neutralize gangs, secure critical infrastructure, ensure humanitarian access, and protect vulnerable groups. The mission will also assist in reintegrating former fighters and strengthening Haitian institutions.
The move follows the shortcomings of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorized in October 2023, which struggled with underfunding, limited personnel, and restricted operational capacity. While the MSS — led by Kenya — enabled the HNP to reclaim some areas, it failed to match the scale of the gang threat that now controls much of the capital.
Haiti is currently grappling with nearly 1.3 million internally displaced people, a surge in kidnappings, sexual violence, and armed groups that dominate key urban zones.
Panama’s Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, introducing the resolution, underscored the urgency of action.
“Haiti is facing an unprecedented, multidimensional crisis that requires our decisive attention,” he said. “This Council’s vote sends a clear message to Haiti — you are not on your own.”
The resolution also directs the UN Secretary-General to establish a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical backing, including medical care, rations, transport, communications, and troop rotation. UNSOH will coordinate with the Organization of American States’ SECURE-Haiti project while ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz highlighted the scale of the new mission, calling it five times larger and stronger than the MSS.
“Today’s vote transforms the mission into one with the size, scope, and resources needed to take the fight to the gangs and restore a baseline of security,” Waltz said.
The Council emphasized that Haiti’s government retains “primary responsibility” for national security and governance reforms, including fighting corruption, curbing arms trafficking, and halting child recruitment by gangs.
Following the vote, Haiti’s Ambassador Pierre Ericq Pierre welcomed the expanded mandate as “a decisive turning point.” He acknowledged the MSS had provided solidarity but said the crisis demanded a stronger response.
“The scale and sophistication of the threat far exceeds the mandate initially granted to that mission,” he noted. “With this decision, the international community is finally giving itself the means to respond to the gravity of the situation in Haiti.”
