US Seeks UN Approval for Gang Suppression Force in Haiti

The United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, has announced plans to establish a new international "Gang Suppression Force" to combat escalating gang violence in Haiti, seeking approval from the United Nations Security Council. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea highlighted the expansion of armed gangs from urban to rural areas and expressed gratitude to the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which has been assisting Haiti for over a year. The U.S. and Panama are circulating a draft UN resolution to create the Gang Suppression Force alongside a UN Support Office to provide logistical backing, although specifics about U.S. military or police involvement remain unclear. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged immediate authorization of the force, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions, while calling for measures to disrupt gang financing and arms trafficking. Reports suggest the Kenya-led MSS may be transformed and expanded into the new force with increased UN logistical support, but details about troop contributions and mission structure are yet to be finalized. Additionally, a private security firm linked to Erik Prince, an ally of President Trump, is reportedly preparing to deploy personnel to assist in the effort to reclaim gang-controlled territories in Haiti.