UN transforms Haiti's security mission into a military force to combat gangs

Haiti has been grappling with violent gang control for several years, exacerbated by political instability, notably following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The situation worsened significantly in early 2024, when gang activities destabilized the existing government, forcing Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. As Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas, its citizens have suffered due to escalating criminal activities such as murders, rapes, looting, and kidnappings carried out by the gangs, whose rapid expansion has challenged state authority and threatened regional stability. The Haitian police are overwhelmed and struggling to manage the growing violence, leading to international appeals for assistance. In response, the UN Security Council held discussions culminating in a significant resolution passed on October 1, 2025. This resolution enables the transformation of the existing Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a more robust security force, significantly expanding its mandate and operational capacity. The enhanced mission includes provisions for up to 5,500 uniformed personnel, combining police officers and soldiers, compared to the previous deployment of around 1,000 police officers primarily from Kenya. The United States, co-sponsored alongside Panama, spearheaded this initiative in recognition of the grave security situation affecting Haiti's inhabitants. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that this resolution represents a crucial step towards reclaiming stability in Haiti, stating that it offers hope in an otherwise dire context where gangs have terrorized the populace. This marked transformation reflects international solidarity and burden-sharing in addressing one of the most serious challenges Haiti has faced throughout its turbulent history. Members of the UN Security Council acknowledged the need for a more effective strategy against the powerful criminal organizations controlling large parts of Haiti, especially in the capital. Although the mission's expansion was largely welcomed, there were concerns raised from several member states. China and Russia remained skeptical about the effectiveness of a military approach in the absence of a political transition. They abstained from the vote despite acknowledgment of Haiti's critical situation, arguing that a purely military solution risks exacerbating the ongoing crisis without addressing the root political issues. Despite this, the resolution passed with a majority vote of 12-0, bringing a renewed commitment to assist Haiti in combating gang violence and restoring peace for its citizens.