UN Security Council extends Haiti anti-gang force mandate six months

Deployment remains short as Haiti prepares for referendum and elections

The U.N. Security Council voted Tuesday to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti for six months, through March 31, 2027. The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, passed with 12 votes in favor, none against, and three abstentions.

The extension arrives as the GSF remains far from its intended operational strength. The force had been expected to reach full capacity this month, but the deployment of international contingents, including the gradual arrival of troops from Chad and other partner countries, has progressed slowly.

Haiti’s ambassador to the United Nations, Pierre Ericq Pierre, welcomed the mandate extension and said the force needs the personnel, equipment, and operational resources for full deployment. “The mission’s goal is to help Haitian authorities regain areas controlled by gangs, protect critical infrastructure and create conditions for elections,” Pierre said.

Pierre said “it is not enough to wrest territory from the gangs,” and that authorities must also maintain control of recovered areas, restore public services and prevent gangs from returning. The ambassador said the GSF must work closely with the Haitian National Police and armed forces while strengthening the country’s own capabilities and respecting its sovereign responsibilities.

The GSF was created after the original international strategy, which the Security Council authorized a year ago, underwent a major restructuring amid funding shortages. The Security Council had initially authorized a 5,550-member force to work alongside Haitian authorities to combat gangs, protect critical infrastructure, and facilitate humanitarian access. The mission has struggled to keep pace with the expansion of armed gangs across Haitian territory.

One of the most serious recent attacks occurred Aug. 23 in the farming community of Kenscoff, where the Viv Ansanm gang coalition unleashed what was described as a “night of terror.” Gunmen attacked and set fire to a church compound sheltering displaced people, leaving at least 47 people dead and dozens wounded or kidnapped.

The six-month extension is intended to help establish minimum security conditions ahead of Haiti’s planned constitutional referendum and general elections, scheduled for later this year and at the beginning of 2027.