UN-Backed Gang Suppression Force Troops Arrive in Haiti

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A new United Nations-backed force, known as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), has arrived in Haiti with an initial mandate of 12 months to address widespread gang violence in the country. The first group of troops from Chad has landed in Port-au-Prince, accompanied by Jack Christofides, a UN official from South Africa who is expected to lead the force’s efforts.

According to a statement released on social media, Christofides arrived in Port-au-Prince as the Special Representative of the Gang Suppression Force. An advance team of Chadian forces also arrived, marking the first troop deployment of the expanded GSF.

The Gang Suppression Force was authorized by the UN Security Council last September, with 12 members voting in favor of its implementation. The force is expected to grow to 5,500 personnel and will be empowered to make arrests in Haiti.

Haiti has experienced a significant increase in gang violence in recent years, particularly after the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The country’s last democratically elected senators saw their terms expire in 2023, and legislative elections have been postponed indefinitely.

According to UN estimates, at least 16,000 people have been killed since 2022, and over 1.5 million were forced from their homes. Many residents lack access to adequate food and basic necessities.

The arrival of the Gang Suppression Force comes as Haiti prepares to hold a national election in August. Roughly 300 political parties and groups have registered to participate, and the country is scheduled to hold a first round of voting in August.

The force’s mandate has been criticized by some, with Russia’s representative at the UN Security Council warning that it could lead to abuses. However, no further details were provided about the deployment or its objectives.

Source: Al Jazeera