During the 10246th meeting of the UN Security Council on October 19, 2026, Wellington Darío Bencosme Castaños, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, addressed the ongoing security situation in Haiti. He expressed condolences for the recent ambush involving Salvadoran personnel serving in Haiti and called for the safe recovery of those who are still missing.
Ambassador Bencosme emphasized solidarity with El Salvador, acknowledging its contributions and commitment to enhancing security in Haiti. He referenced the Secretary-General’s report, which stated that continued international support is critical for maintaining the progress achieved so far in the country.
He noted the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force beyond Port-au-Prince, which involves collaboration with the Haitian National Police. Several nations have committed to providing strategic airlift support to facilitate the arrival of additional contingents. Despite this progress, Bencosme warned that the force is currently operating with less than one-third of its intended personnel and that violence continues to escalate in rural areas and other departments.
“Every contingent that arrives expands the territory that can be retaken, but every delay gives the gangs time to regroup,” he said. The Ambassador highlighted the need for continuity and a predictable timeline for deployments, emphasizing that contributing countries require clarity in planning their support. He urged the Council to consider extending the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force and the Support Office beyond the currently renewed six-month period, suggesting a longer renewal in March to ensure that resources and funding are adequate for achieving lasting stability.
Ambassador Bencosme reiterated that a fully deployed force is essential for enabling Haitians to return to normal life and reclaim control of their destinies. He pointed out that achieving lasting stability necessitates the simultaneous advancement of security, political processes, and socioeconomic recovery. “Security is the starting point, but it will only be consolidated if the population perceives tangible improvements in their daily lives,” he stated, underlining the importance of providing young people with alternatives to the activities of gangs.
The Ambassador acknowledged the Haitian authorities’ efforts and highlighted the role of the Haiti Peace Dividend Fund, co-chaired by the Haitian government and the UN, as a mechanism for supporting Haiti’s priorities regarding disarmament, community violence reduction, and economic recovery.
Concluding his statement, Bencosme pledged that the Dominican Republic would continue to support international initiatives aimed at promoting security and stability in Haiti, advocating for sustained support to meet the needs and expectations of the Haitian people.
