Haiti’s escalating gang violence is reaching critical levels, prompting a bold new move from the United States. They’re pushing for a UN-authorized “Gang Suppression Force” to bring stability. But how will this new approach differ, and can it truly turn the tide against the chaos plaguing the nation?

The United States is actively seeking authorization from the United Nations for the establishment of a novel “Gang Suppression Force,” a critical initiative aimed at confronting the rapidly escalating Haiti violence. This urgent diplomatic push comes as armed groups expand their brutal activities from the capital, Port-au-Prince, into the surrounding countryside, plunging the already vulnerable Caribbean security landscape into deeper turmoil.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea unveiled this significant proposal during a recent UN Security Council meeting, underscoring the international community’s growing concern over the deteriorating situation. While the precise operational details and composition of this new force remain under discussion, its primary objective is to provide robust assistance to Haitian police in curbing the widespread lawlessness and restoring a semblance of order.

Questions have arisen regarding how this proposed “Gang Suppression Force” will distinguish itself from the existing Kenya-led Multinational Security Support force, which has been deployed in the beleaguered nation for over a year. While both aim to address the persistent gang threat, the U.S. initiative suggests a potentially re-envisioned or significantly augmented international response to the relentless Haiti violence.

Ambassador Shea expressed profound gratitude to Kenya for its unwavering commitment and leadership of the multinational force during what she described as a “critical moment.” She emphasized that without their intervention, the audacious ambitions and brazen atrocities perpetrated by gangs against Haitian civilians would have been even further emboldened, highlighting the dire need for sustained Caribbean security efforts.

In a tangible step towards its realization, the United States, in collaboration with Panama, will circulate a draft resolution to the UN Security Council. This resolution seeks to formalize the establishment of the “Gang Suppression Force” and concurrently create a dedicated U.N. Support Office, which will be tasked with providing essential logistical backing to the new security endeavor.

Despite the strong declaration of intent, Shea did not specify whether the United States would directly contribute military or police personnel to the new force, nor did she clarify the continued involvement of other contributing nations such as the Bahamas, El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala, and Jamaica. Diplomatic sources, however, hinted at a potential transformation of the existing Kenya-led force, suggesting it might be renamed and significantly expanded in size, bolstered by increased U.N. logistical support, a crucial aspect of effective International aid.

Urging immediate action, Shea implored UN Security Council members to endorse this “new path towards peace and security” for Haiti. Her plea extended to the broader international community, calling for “meaningful burden sharing” and a concerted effort to join the United States, Panama, and other committed nations in promoting stability and addressing the root causes of Haiti violence.

Furthermore, a “Standing Group of Partners,” comprising the U.S., Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Kenya, has been formed to offer high-level strategic direction and oversight for any revamped security force. This group is also tasked with securing voluntary financial contributions for costs not covered by the U.N. Support Office, facilitating an increase in force numbers, and coordinating the multifaceted US foreign policy approach to Haiti’s security crisis, ensuring comprehensive International aid.

The U.N. chief painted a grim picture for the council, stating that Haitians “are in hell,” with state authority crumbling, gang violence forcing mass displacement, and vital services like hospitals and schools under constant attack. He lamented that the U.N.’s $908 million appeal to assist 3.9 million people this year is less than 10% funded, making Haiti the world’s least funded humanitarian appeal, a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust International aid and effective US foreign policy initiatives.