Haiti’s streets are gripped by escalating gang violence, pushing the nation to the brink. Can a new international force bring stability and hope? The US is pushing for UN authorization for a powerful “Gang Suppression Force” to finally tackle the crisis. What will this mean for Haiti’s future?

The United States has formally initiated efforts at the United Nations to establish a new “Gang Suppression Force,” aiming to confront the severe and rapidly escalating violence that has gripped Haiti. This move comes as armed groups continue to extend their brutal activities beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, deeply into the country’s rural regions, destabilizing communities and infrastructure alike.

Haiti is currently embroiled in a profound humanitarian and security crisis, with its state authority crumbling under the relentless pressure of heavily armed gangs. These groups have not only expanded their territorial control but have also intensified their attacks on civilians, essential services like hospitals and schools, forcing countless families to flee their homes and exacerbating an already dire situation. The scale of the humanitarian need is immense, yet international aid efforts remain critically underfunded, leaving millions vulnerable.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea announced the proposition at a recent U.N. Security Council meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for a robust international response. This proposed force seeks to bolster the Haitian National Police in their struggle against the pervasive criminal networks that have plunged the Caribbean nation into chaos, echoing previous calls for decisive intervention to restore order and protect civilian lives.

While the exact structure of this new initiative remains under discussion, questions have arisen regarding its differentiation from the existing Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) force. The MSS, deployed since June 2024, has faced challenges in reaching its full operational strength and effectively curbing the widespread gang violence. Diplomatic sources suggest the new Gang Suppression Force might involve a significant expansion and re-branding of the current Kenya-led mission, coupled with enhanced UN logistical backing.

A critical component of the American proposal includes the creation of a U.N. Support Office, designed to provide comprehensive logistical assistance to the new Gang Suppression Force. This office would supply vital non-lethal support, such as drones, fuel, ground and air transportation, and other essential equipment, ensuring the suppression efforts are well-equipped and sustainable in the challenging Haitian environment. This aligns with earlier recommendations from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for enhanced backing.

In a demonstration of broader international commitment, the U.S. and Panama are circulating a draft resolution to the Security Council to formalize the establishment of this force. Additionally, a “Standing Group of Partners,” comprising countries like Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Kenya, has formed to provide high-level strategic direction, secure voluntary financial contributions, and facilitate an increase in force numbers, ensuring a coordinated international effort to address the Haitian crisis.

Despite the international focus on security, the humanitarian situation in Haiti remains catastrophic. The U.N. Secretary-General has warned that Haitians are living in “agony,” with a severe lack of resources to address their basic needs. A U.N. appeal for $908 million to assist 3.9 million people this year is less than 10% funded, making Haiti the world’s least-funded humanitarian appeal, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive global support beyond security measures.

Ambassador Shea urged Security Council members to embrace this “new path towards peace and security” and called upon the international community to engage in meaningful burden-sharing. The objective is to bring stability back to Haiti, enabling its government to reclaim territory from gangs and to begin the arduous process of rebuilding a nation besieged by an unrelenting crisis, fostering hope for a more secure future for its citizens.