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Fighting back against the gangs: What is Haiti’s new UN-backed force?

As gangs in Haiti continue to expand the areas under their control and show no signs of holding back on terrorizing the population, decisive action has been taken by the UN Security Council to fight back against the violence they are perpetrating.

mercoledì 1 ottobre 2025 New tab

670 words~3 min read

Fighting back against the gangs: What is Haiti’s new UN-backed force?

Here’s what you need to know about the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF).What is the GSF?The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti is a newly authorized multinational mission by the UN Security Council.With a 12-month mandate, the 5,550-strong force will work alongside Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure, and support humanitarian access.Its main aim is to protect vulnerable populations from escalating violence and prevent the displacement that inevitably causes.

Giles Clarke

Haitian police check a driver's papers at a checkpoint.

The Security Council resolution was co-sponsored by Panama and the United States and reflects broad international support for the multidimensional crisis that has been deepening in Haiti over the past few years.What are the objectives of the new force?Its core objectives include conducting intelligence-led operations to dismantle armed gangs, securing critical infrastructure, and ensuring humanitarian access, all while protecting the population.The GSF will work closely with Haitian authorities, particularly the National Police with the aim of putting Haiti in a position to assume responsibility for its own security.The mission also aims to strengthen national institutions and facilitate conditions for long-term peace and development. A UN Support Office will be established to provide logistical and operational support.What is the GSF replacing?The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) replaces the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, marking a shift in strategy.The MSS, led by Kenya, focused on supporting the Haitian National Police with limited personnel and resources. It was launched in October 2023 with the first contingent of arriving in June the following year. It remained underfunded and never deployed the mandated force of 2500 people.The GSF will be a larger, more robust force with a broader mandate.Why is it needed?A force is urgently needed to suppress gangs in Haiti due to an unprecedented security situation.