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US urges UN to send more troops, resources to Haiti to combat gangs
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

US urges UN to send more troops, resources to Haiti to combat gangs

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • The U.S. is pressing the UN Security Council to renew the mandate for the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti, which expires in September.
  • Washington is urging the international community to contribute troops, police, equipment, and funding to combat escalating gang violence.
  • Russia questioned the U.S. role in arms trafficking to gangs, while Haiti's representative pledged to strengthen its own police and military forces.

The United States urged the UN Security Council on Friday to renew the mandate for Haiti's Gang Suppression Force, which expires at the end of September. U.S. Representative for Special Political Affairs, Jennifer Locetta, called for international contributions of troops, police, equipment, and funding to address the intensifying gang violence.

The terrorists cannot terrorize while stealing Haiti's future.

— Jennifer LocettaUS Representative for Special Political Affairs, Jennifer Locetta, speaking at the UN Security Council meeting.

Locetta stated that gangs should not hold Haitian democracy hostage and have openly declared their intent to disrupt upcoming elections. She condemned a recent attack in Kenscoff that resulted in at least 47 deaths, including five minors, and numerous kidnappings. The U.S. representative emphasized that the Gang Suppression Force, authorized in September 2025, needs adequate resources to operate effectively and end the bloodshed.

She also urged council members to support the renewal of the force's mandate, working alongside Panama to advance the resolution. Russia's representative, Vasili Nebenzia, acknowledged the need to combat violence but questioned the role of U.S. arms trafficking in fueling gang activity, pointing to videos posted on social media.

There are factors that lead young people to join these gangs.

— Vasili NebenziaRussian representative Vasili Nebenzia speaking at the UN Security Council meeting.

Haiti's representative, Pierre Ericq, affirmed that Haitian authorities are working to increase the police force's numbers and capabilities, alongside recruiting new military personnel to restore security. He also called for greater international synergy, deeming it crucial for the upcoming elections.

It is important to ensure that the country can fight violence and terror.

— Vasili NebenziaRussian representative Vasili Nebenzia speaking at the UN Security Council meeting.

During the session, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), called for an end to impunity and for those financing and facilitating gang activities to be brought to justice. He also alerted the council to a recent surge in attacks.

We must break the cycle of impunity and bring to justice those responsible for violence and those who finance and facilitate gang activities.

— Carlos Ruiz MassieuHead of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu, speaking at the UN Security Council meeting.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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