The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force, GSF, in Haiti amid incessant violence by criminal groups.
The council voted on Tuesday to extend the GSF’s operation until March 31, 2027, as the UN seeks to dismantle armed gangs, protect civilians and secure critical infrastructure.
The United States urged continued support for the embattled nation, recalling that seven missions dedicated to Haiti over the previous decades had achieved limited success.
“We are trying to do something genuinely different,” said Mike Waltz, the US Ambassador to the UN. The United States and Panama jointly proposed the resolution.
The Security Council voted 12-0 in favour of the extension, with Russia, China and Pakistan abstaining. They expressed concerns over funding, personnel levels and operational effectiveness.
The United Kingdom decried the “terrible toll” the Haitian crisis has taken on its people, including hostage-taking, sexual violence and the use of civilians as human shields.
UK Minister Counsellor Jennifer MacNaughtan also condemned the targeting of vulnerable communities and called for the protection of humanitarian and medical workers.
London hopes that the GSF will bring about the security and stability needed to pave the way for credible elections, allowing Haitians to choose their next leaders.
Formed in September 2025 to replace the Multinational Security Support Mission, the GSF has about 1,500 troops in Haiti, with 4,000 expected to arrive in the coming months.