NEW YORK – The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti for another six months, keeping the international security mission in place until March 31, 2027, as Haiti struggles to contain heavily armed criminal groups and prepare for elections.
The Security Council adopted Resolution 2829 with 12 votes in favor and no votes against. China, Pakistan and Russia abstained.
CARICOM welcomed the decision after repeatedly pressing the international community to maintain and fully support the security mission.
The Caribbean Community has argued that restoring security in Haiti is essential not only for Haitians but for stability throughout the wider Caribbean. CARICOM has also warned that commitments by international partners to provide personnel, equipment, financing and logistical assistance have not been fulfilled quickly enough.
The renewed mandate comes as Haiti attempts to move toward elections after more than a decade without national elections.
A CARICOM delegation that visited Haiti in September reported that preparations were underway for a first round of elections scheduled for December 13. However, political parties and civil society representatives raised concerns about voter registration, electoral requirements and the inability of authorities to operate normally in territories outside government control.
Security remains one of the biggest obstacles.
CARICOM representatives reported a recent increase in deadly violence and kidnappings and warned that additional forces and resources are urgently needed. Without improved security, authorities face difficulties registering voters, allowing candidates to campaign and ensuring citizens can safely reach polling stations.
The seriousness of the situation was demonstrated again this week. An attack reportedly carried out on September 28 by members of the Kokorat San Ras gang in Gros-Morne, in Haiti’s Artibonite department, killed at least 11 people and injured several others, according to information cited by Amnesty International.
The Security Council’s decision gives the Gang Suppression Force another six months, but Caribbean governments are emphasizing that extending the mandate alone will not solve Haiti’s security crisis.
Jamaica, for example, welcomed the renewal while calling for the international community to provide the personnel, financing and equipment required to make the force more effective.
CARICOM has taken a similar position, arguing that security improvements are essential for Haiti to restore democratic institutions and return to constitutional government.
For the Caribbean Community, Haiti’s crisis is increasingly being treated not simply as a Haitian domestic problem but as a regional security and stability issue.