Description: Haiti’s gangs launched a retaliation attack on the GSF (Gang Suppression Forces) after the latter conducted a deadly security operation. The GSF is a UN sponsored security mission in the country meant to combat gang violence. GSF disassembled an illegal checkpoint earlier in the day set up by a local gang in the Artibonite region. The operation by the GSF left three gang members dead after which they retaliated, killing at least 11 civilians in the neighborhood. The local mayor, Hubert Ceneac, stated that the area was a major stronghold for a gang called Kokorat San Ras which is part of the dominant gang coalition called Viv Ansanm. Following the attack the UN voted to extend the GSF’s mandate until 31 Mar 2027, with China, Russia and Pakistan abstaining from the vote for the funding, personnel and efficacy of the GSF troops. The extension is meant to provide stabilization for Haiti’s election scheduled for Dec this year. The humanitarian situation also remains dire with most of the population in desperate need for basic healthcare services.
Impact: Haiti’s gang security crisis is highly likely to escalate since the GSF’s activities have proven to only temporary limit the gang’s influence and operational outreach. Haiti’s election in Dec are highly unlikely to be materialized since the gangs remain in control of 90% of the capital’s territory and are expanding in the rural areas. Since it’s a UN – based mission, the GSF is likely to be continuously undermined and its operational capabilities impeded, since the crisis is being exploited by foreign actors such as Russia and China which aim to bog down the US in a crisis close to its borders. The country is likely become a regional hub for weapons smuggling, human trafficking and drug trafficking operations in the long – term, since the gangs in some regions are becoming the regional administration. Without a concise international support, Haiti is highly likely at risk of perpetual security, humanitarian, economic and political crisis.