The resolution co-sponsored by the United States and Panama will transform the current Kenya-led multinational force into a “Gang Suppression Force” with the power to detain suspected gang members, which the current force does not have. The vote was 12-0 with Russia, China and Pakistan abstaining. The first Kenyans arrived in Haiti in June 2024, and the force was supposed to have 2,500 troops, but it has been plagued by a lack of funding and its current strength is below 1,000. Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. They now control 90 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their activities, including looting, kidnapping, sexual assaults and rape, into the countryside. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination.

The seven-page draft resolution expresses appreciation to Kenya for leading the multinational force but reaffirms Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ finding in February that it hasn’t been able to keep pace with the dramatic expansion of the gangs and needs to be scaled up. The resolution authorizes UN member nations to transition to a Gang Suppression Force in cooperation with Haiti’s government for an initial period of 12 months. It states that the force would consist of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilians who would be paid from voluntary contributions. Laurent Saint-Cyr, leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, cheered the vote on Tuesday. “This vote marks a decisive turning point in the fight against armed criminal groups that are causing grief for our families, paralysing our economy and threatening the future of our nation,” he said. (Jamaica Gleaner)