Haiti – Pressure To Renew UN International Gang Suppression Force – NY Carib News
Haiti is urging the United Nations to renew the mandate of an international force supporting its fight against armed gangs, as worsening violence continues to threaten communities and complicate preparations for elections expected later this year.
Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Généus has called for the renewal of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF)before its current mandate expires on September 30. The appeal comes as the country continues to struggle with armed groups that control large areas of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their operations beyond the capital.
The GSF was established by the UN Security Council in October 2025 to replace the earlier Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), which had been led by Kenya. The new force was authorized to grow to as many as 5,500 personnel and was given a stronger mandate to conduct operations against gangs in coordination with the Haitian National Police and Haitian armed forces.
Haiti’s request comes amid continued violence despite the presence of international security personnel. Armed groups have maintained control over significant parts of Port-au-Prince, while recent attacks have demonstrated their ability to operate outside the capital. A recent assault in Kenscoff, for example, left dozens dead and more than 50 people kidnapped, according to Haitian authorities and the United Nations.
The security crisis has also contributed to a massive humanitarian emergency. Nearly 1.5 million people have been displaced, while more than 3,000 killings were reported during the first half of 2026. Gang activity has increasingly spread into rural areas, with armed groups using kidnappings, roadblocks and other criminal tactics to expand their influence.
The international force is therefore being asked to remain in place at a particularly sensitive moment for Haiti. The country is preparing for elections after years of political instability, while insecurity continues to threaten the movement of people, delivery of essential services and the government’s ability to exercise authority across the country.
Renewing the mandate, however, will not by itself resolve Haiti’s security crisis. The international mission has faced persistent challenges involving personnel, equipment, funding and operational capacity. Haitian authorities and international partners are consequently under pressure to ensure that any renewed mandate is backed by the resources and personnel needed to make a meaningful difference on the ground.
For Haiti’s government, continued international assistance remains critical as national security forces struggle to contain increasingly powerful armed groups. With the September 30 deadline approaching, the debate at the UN Security Council will determine whether the international force receives another mandate, and whether Haiti gets additional time and support to strengthen its own ability to restore security.