UN renews Haiti gang force mandate through March 2027

The United Nations Security Council voted Tuesday to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti through March 31, 2027, renewing the international mission as gang violence continues and its deployment remains well below its authorized strength. Twelve countries supported the measure, none opposed it, and China, Russia and Pakistan abstained. The force, authorized for 5,500 personnel, has faced delays in assembling troops and equipment. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said about 1,500 GSF troops were deployed and the remaining 4,000 were expected to arrive in the coming months. A report to the council gave a separate count of 1,166 uniformed personnel from six countries in Haiti as of August 31. The figures refer to different dates and descriptions of personnel. The renewal also covers the U.N. Support Office in Haiti, which provides logistical support. The GSF was designed to have a broader role than its predecessor, a Kenya-led police support mission that ended in April after falling short of its planned staffing. The GSF can coordinate with Haiti’s military or operate independently, in addition to supporting Haitian police.