Security Council Speakers Emphasize Urgency in Addressing Gang Violence
While the new year brings “high expectations” for progress in Haiti, the United Nations Security Council emphasized that achieving stability requires ongoing security efforts, international collaboration, and political accountability. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, highlighted the urgency for national stakeholders to unite before the transitional arrangement concludes on February 7. Recent advancements in electoral preparations, including the adoption of an electoral decree and the establishment of a timeline for elections, offer hope for a more stable future. However, the persistent threat of gang violence poses significant challenges to the country’s progress.
Challenges Posed by Gang Violence
Gang violence continues to plague Haiti, with organized groups exerting control over critical economic corridors and agricultural areas. This situation has led to widespread displacement and has strained humanitarian resources. In 2025, intentional homicides surged by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, underscoring the deteriorating security landscape. Despite these challenges, Massieu noted that sustained pressure on gangs has led to some positive outcomes, such as the reopening of certain road networks and a restored state presence in parts of Port-au-Prince and Artibonite. However, he cautioned that without continued security improvements and the provision of basic services, any gains could quickly be reversed.
The establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) is seen as a crucial step in addressing these issues. Massieu called for member states to provide the necessary resources for the Gang Suppression Force to effectively carry out its mandate. He also emphasized the importance of a nationally led approach to disarmament and reintegration, which must accompany enforcement measures to ensure long-term stability. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for increased support for humanitarian efforts, which remain critically underfunded.
Illicit Arms Trafficking and Criminal Networks
John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), presented alarming findings regarding the evolution of criminal networks in Haiti. He reported that local gangs have transformed into structured organizations with defined leadership and diversified revenue streams. The rise in organized violence is closely linked to arms trafficking, with UNODC documenting increased inflows of high-caliber and military-grade weapons since 2022. These trafficking networks have shown remarkable adaptability, quickly shifting to alternative routes when one is disrupted.
Brandolino pointed to the Dominican Republic’s successful border control measures and joint operations, which have led to significant seizures of illicit arms. However, traffickers have adapted by utilizing weaker Haitian ports and offshore transfers to evade detection. The involvement of private security companies and informal self-defense groups in the illicit firearms trade further complicates the situation. In 2025, Haiti’s Financial Intelligence Unit processed nearly 1.5 million transaction reports, yet enforcement gaps remain significant. Brandolino called for stronger enforcement of the UN arms embargo and sustained anti-corruption efforts to address the broader regional security threat posed by these criminal networks.
International Response and the Path Forward
During the Security Council debate, various representatives underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to Haiti’s security challenges. Colombia’s representative emphasized that the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force could improve security conditions, but stressed the importance of strengthening civic institutions and the rule of law. Denmark’s representative highlighted the necessity for judicial and prison reform, particularly concerning the high number of pre-trial detainees in overcrowded facilities.
Several members of the Council acknowledged the plight of Haitian children, with calls for the establishment of a national institution for disarmament and reintegration to provide safe exit strategies. The urgency of the situation was echoed by Panama’s representative, who urged Haiti’s political class to engage in constructive dialogue to avoid an institutional vacuum as the February 7 deadline approaches. China’s representative emphasized the need for a legitimate and accountable government to address the crisis effectively.
The United States expressed its commitment to tackling those undermining Haiti’s security through various measures, including financial sanctions. France welcomed contributions from member states to support the Gang Suppression Force, while the Russian Federation criticized the effectiveness of current strategies and called for better control of arms trafficking. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking for Liberia and Somalia, stressed the importance of clear rules of engagement and coordination with Haitian authorities.
As Haiti approaches a critical juncture in its political transition, the need for a united effort to address security, governance, and humanitarian challenges has never been more pressing. The upcoming elections and the establishment of a stable government will be pivotal in determining the country’s future trajectory.
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