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3h ago

U.S., Panama Push U.N. Plan for Haiti Gang Suppression Force and Support Office

UNICEF reports children comprise about half of Haiti’s armed groups, with the Kenya-led mission still far below planned strength.

Police officers patrol the area near the Saint-Helene orphanage in the Kenscoff neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)
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General view of people standing at a shelter at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which houses individuals displaced by gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Jean Feguens Regala/File Photo

Overview

  • The draft resolution would establish a new Gang Suppression Force and create a U.N. Support Office to provide logistics, ground and air transport, fuel, drones and other non-lethal backing.
  • The existing Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission has fewer than 1,000 personnel versus a 2,500 target, and council discussions have not clarified how a new force would align with it.
  • One Security Council diplomat said privately the Kenya-led mission could be renamed and expanded under the proposed construct with U.N. logistical support, though details have not been announced.
  • U.N. leaders urged tougher enforcement of the arms embargo and highlighted that most guns used by Haitian gangs are trafficked from Florida, while the 2025 humanitarian appeal is under 10% funded with 1.3 million displaced and six million in need.
  • UNICEF told the Council child recruitment surged roughly 700% in early 2025 and estimated children now constitute about 50% of gang membership, as Haiti’s government also turns to private firm Vectus, which has deployed drones.