Haiti seeks renewal of international anti-gang force
Mourners attend the funeral of four victims of a gang attack, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday. The attack, carried out August 23, killed 47 people, left dozens injured and left more than 50 people abducted, according to the United Nations. Photo by Jonet S. Elois/EPA
Sept. 4 (UPI) — Haiti has called for the renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force and the mobilization of resources needed to complete the deployment of its 5,500 personnel as the government seeks to regain territory affected by criminal gang violence.
Haitian Foreign Minister Raina Forbin made the request Thursday before the Organization of American States as the force’s 12-month mandate approaches its scheduled expiration Sept. 30.
The Haitian government considers the continued presence of the international force essential to improving security and ensuring that presidential elections scheduled Dec. 13 can occur.
Forbin said the government seeks to regain territory controlled or affected by criminal groups and is working to strengthen the capabilities of the Haitian National Police and Armed Forces to fully restore state authority in those areas.
The foreign minister also cited a massacre carried out by criminal groups in the commune of Kenscoff on the night of Aug. 24-25, saying the attack demonstrated the urgency of accelerating efforts to regain control and restore order.
Gunmen stormed several communities that night, burned homes and attacked residents as they tried to flee.
At least 47 people were killed, including five children, 22 were injured and dozens were abducted, according to the United Nations. The victims included displaced people who had sought refuge in a church, where 22 people were reportedly executed.
Forbin called for a better-coordinated regional response to transnational criminal networks fueling violence and instability, saying Haiti’s security also has implications for the security of the broader region.
She urged international partners to “move from solidarity to action, from commitments to implementation and from promises to results.”
The government maintains that sustainably restoring security and returning the country to constitutional order are inseparable goals.
Forbin also called for international assistance to organize elections, asking the OAS, its member states and other partners to provide technical, financial, logistical and security support for the electoral process.
During the presentation of a report to the OAS Permanent Council on the organization’s mission to Haiti, OAS Secretary-General Albert R. Ramdin said restoring security and holding credible elections are the country’s two most urgent priorities.
“Haitian institutions must lead these efforts, with sustained and coordinated support from the international community,” Ramdin said.
He added that international partners must help confront armed gangs, strengthen the Haitian National Police and restore public security.
Haiti’s request comes as the country continues to face a severe security crisis.
The United Nations recorded 1,408 deaths and 656 injuries in gang-related violence between April and June, while nearly 1.47 million people remain internally displaced.
Gangs have controlled an estimated 80% to 90% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their presence into other parts of the country.