US Seeks UN Authorization for Gang Suppression Force in Haiti

Strategic Insights -

The United States has announced plans to establish a "Gang Suppression Force" in Haiti, a new international force aimed at tackling the escalating violence in the Caribbean nation. The move comes as Haiti is grappling with the expansion of armed groups, which have expanded their brutal activities from the capital, Port-au-Prince. The US has called for UN authorization for the new force, which would be established alongside a UN Support Office providing logistical support.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US is seeking UN authorization for a new "Gang Suppression Force" to tackle violence in Haiti, with the force expected to be significantly larger than the current Kenya-led Multinational Security Support force.
  • The force would be established alongside a UN Support Office, which would provide logistical support, including drones, fuel, and ground and air transportation.
  • The US has not indicated whether it would provide military or police support to the new force, or whether Kenya and other contributing countries would remain part of it.
  • The UN Security Council has been urged to act "without delay" to authorize an international force supported by the UN through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing.
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that Haitians "are in a life-and-death emergency," with 1.7 million at risk of receiving no assistance unless donors act now.

Statistics:

  • 1.3 million people (half of them children) have fled their homes in Haiti.
  • 6 million people need humanitarian assistance.
  • The UN appeal for $908 million to help 3.9 million people this year is less than 10% funded, making Haiti the least funded humanitarian appeal in the world.
  • The current Kenya-led Multinational Security Support force has a strength below 1,000, despite being supposed to have 2,500 troops.
  • Vectus Global, led by Prince, a major donor to US President Trump, is deploying 200 personnel to Haiti as part of a one-year security contract.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (AP) - "US seeking UN authorization for new 'Gang Suppression Force' in Haiti"
  • UN Security Council meeting (no source date)
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres - February proposal for UN Support Office to provide logistical support to Kenya-led mission
  • Vectus Global - security contract to deploy 200 personnel in Haiti (no source date)