Haiti, Caricom welcome UN Security Council resolution on Haiti

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously endorsed a resolution to transition the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, was adopted with 12 votes in favor, three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and Russia), and no opposition. This decision marks a significant step in addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, which has been exacerbated by criminal gangs seeking to destabilize the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The GSF will operate for an initial period of 12 months, with an authorized personnel ceiling of 5,550, including 5,500 uniformed military and police personnel and 50 civilians. US Ambassador Michael Waltz emphasized that the resolution offers renewed hope for Haiti, describing it as a critical first step in tackling the country’s humanitarian and security challenges. Panama echoed this sentiment, affirming its commitment to Haiti and stating that the international community must act decisively to address the crisis. Haiti’s representative, Ericq Pierre, hailed the transition as a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight against gang violence, acknowledging the limitations of the MSS mission and the need for a more robust mandate. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has pledged logistical and administrative support for the GSF, while Guyana’s ambassador highlighted the importance of safeguarding human rights, particularly for children, who constitute half of gang membership. However, Russia expressed skepticism, criticizing the lack of assessment of the MSS mission’s effectiveness and warning that the new force could lead to unintended consequences.