United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged for an enhancement of the anti-gang mission in Haiti following the Security Council’s recent extension of its mandate for six more months.
Security Council Extends Gang Suppression Force Mandate
During a daily press briefing, Guterres’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, announced that the Security Council approved the extension of the Gang Suppression Force’s (GSF) mandate until March 31, 2027. The decision was made with 11 votes in favor and three abstentions from China, Russia, and Pakistan.
Guterres welcomed the Council’s decision and emphasized the importance of timely deployment of remaining personnel to enable the mission to effectively fulfill its responsibilities. He stated that enhancing security support is vital for creating conditions conducive to progress, notably the restoration of democratic institutions in Haiti through peaceful and inclusive elections.
In addressing Haiti’s ongoing challenges, Dujarric highlighted that the mandate should be accompanied by additional efforts to tackle the country’s political, institutional, and human rights issues. He noted the obstacles the UN faces in addressing various crises on the island, primarily due to a lack of funding.
According to Dujarric, the 2026 Haiti humanitarian response plan fell short of its target, receiving less than half of the $880 million needed to assist four million people living under dire conditions.
The GSF was established in 2025 as a successor to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) for a 12-month period. The UN continues to provide logistical and operational support to the GSF through the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH).
Last July, Jack Christofides, the GSF’s Special Representative, informed the Security Council that the mission was still in its initial phases and called for increased international support to enhance pressure on gangs operating in Haiti.
Why It Matters
The situation in Haiti remains precarious due to rampant gang violence and political instability. Strengthening the GSF mission is pivotal not only to restore security but also to lay the groundwork for governance and democracy in the country, which has faced ongoing crises exacerbated by inadequate humanitarian support.
